Description: this violin is a fine old Italian instrument, the work of Francesco Maurizi of Appignano, as indicated by the label it bears dated 1860. It is a fine and characteristic example of the maker’s work.
Measurements: 35.7cm in length of body, with widths of 16.2cm and 20.5cm bare.
Violin maker: Maurizi, Franceso. Born 1816 Colle del Tronto, Worked from 1840, died 1903 Appignano del Tronto Italy. Amatisé model but with poorly controlled outline, narrow edges, and short corners. Soundholes rather constricted, especially in the upper half. Large scroll with weak chamfer. Orange-red, sometimes slightly greenish-hued, golden brown varnish. Very unprepossessing materials. Anno 1850 / Franciscus Maurizi / Appineanensis Fecit Francesco Maurizi / fece in Appignani nel 1856 Fecit / Franciscus Maurizi /Apponeani. [John Dilworth]
I’m very grateful to have the Maurizi violin on loan, I got help from the Harrison Frank Foundation when I most needed – after leaving college where I had a wonderful violin on loan, suddenly I didn’t have a violin anymore and I kept going through different ones on short loans. This violin has given me a bit more stability and I really see it as a friendly companion. I know I can trust it and what I give to it, I get back – what else can I ask for?
Joanna Ly, July 2017