Description: This violin is a fine Italian instrument, the work of Dante and Alfredo Guastalla of Reggiolo Emilia, whose original label it bears dated 1926. It is a fine and characteristic example of the maker’s work.
Measurements: 35.9cm in length of body, with widths of 16.6cm and 20.4cm.
Violin makers: Guastalla, Dante. Born 1893 Reggiolo, Reggio Emilia Italy. Elder brother of Alfredo Guastalla, above. Pupil of Scarampella in Mantua. Worked alone in Reggiolo briefly before being joined by Alfredo. Manuscript labels: Guastalla Dante / Liutaio / Allievo di Stefano Scarampella / Fabbricatore e Riparatore Istrumenti ad arco / in Reggiolo – Em. Italia. 1949 Dante e Alfredo Guastalla / Anno 1949 / Reggiolo (Emilia).
Guastalla, Alfredo. Born 1898, died 1987 Reggiolo, Reggio Emilia Italy. Pupil of Scarampella in Mantua. Worked with his brother Dante Guastalla, below. Together the brothers were prolific makers, credited with more than 250 violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Worked on various classical models; also lesser-known patterns such as Balestrieri, and personal designs. Good golden-red varnish. Signed internally. Manuscript label: Alfredo Guastalla Liutaio / in Reggiolo – Emilia. Italia 1949. [John Dilworth]
This violin is on loan to Emma Purslow.