Description: this violin is a fine old Austrian instrument, the work of Franz Geissenhof of Vienna, as indicated by the label it bears dated 1791.

Measurements: 35.6 cm full in length of body, with widths of 16.4 cam full and 20.5 cm.

Violin maker: Geissenhof, Franz. B. 1753 Füssen Germany, d. 1821 Vienna Austria.

Pupil und successor of Johann Georg Thir. Known as the Viennese Stradivari, and recognised as the finest maker of that school. Teacher of Schweitzer. Acrive from 1779 (viola d’amore cited by Vannes). Initially used high-built Stainer models but by 1800 he had converted to the Stradivari form and made a series of very distinguished instruments in that style, with strong confident workmanship and a high degree of finish. Varnish also developed from the dark thin and slightly opaque recipe commonplace in Tyrolean work, to the finely transparent subtly-tinted coatings found on later work. Some darker coloured varnishes have a finely crackled texture. Excellent wood used throughout. Last known work dated 1817. Several double-purfled Maggini violin copies known; also a good number of violas; cellos are rare, and only one double bass recorded. The dramatic evolution of his work, and its variety has led to a great deal of deception and forgery, and his label and imitated brand are found in a great deal of inferior work. Branded on back button: ‘F.G.’

Franciscus Geissenhof fecit / Viennae Anno 1782