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Full restoration: 4/4 “Exposition” violin - $2,000 (Federal Heights)
92nd near Pecos
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
German or French
model name / number:
Exposition
size / dimensions:
4/4
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This violin is antique estimated to date back to pre 1881. Violins imported post 1881 were required to have a label with the date and country of origin — this suggests the age predates that law or originated as an initial sale outside the US market.
This is a high end violin which would have been made for show and sale at the World Fair (the World Fair symbol is stamped on the button). In the late 19th century and early 20th century, violin makers (especially in France and Germany) commonly advertised medals and award won at international exhibitions (World Fair Expositions and Universelles, ect.) by stamping or printing them directly on the violin itself — a show-piece with bragging-rights.
There is no paper label and only the maker’s award status stamped inside “Exposition”. Unlike a standard paper label with a maker’s exact name and date, an Exposition marking (especially when not accompanied by a maker’s name inside) is often a marketing/award reference rather than a precise signature of origin. Many workshops in Germany and France used these to show they’d won medals at exhibitions.
I have fully restored the violin and have provided pictures of some of the restoration work. It has a great sound — dark and mysterious with good sustain and projection.
Features this violin boasts include:
A new fingerboard — properly scooped and relieved (0.5mm). Heavily seasoned for richness and longevity. I’ve also made a new nut and replaced the old one providing proper string action at the nut end.
New D’addario Helicore strings. I had broken the A string before the photos and replaced it with a Prelude A string but have since replaced the A string with a Helicore A and so it has a full set of new Helicore strings.
An expertly hand carved, precision fitted, 3 tree 🌳🌳🌳Superieur Despiau France bridge. Three trees means maximum sound conductivity, sharp responsiveness and deep projection. Highly resistant to warpage, this bridge will take care of you if you take care of it.
A new Wittner composite tailpiece with built-in fine-tuners, ensuring a proper setup and intonation (a true 1 to 1/6 string ratio of 328mm-54mm).
A torte orchestral tonal-color mute.
It has been cleaned, polished and the varnish restored, given due respect to the original spirit varnish — to keep it as authentic as I possibly could.
Has a gorgeous shaded varnish giving it a dark and mysterious appeal.
I’ve installed a top-shelf sound-post for perfection and the glory of immense sound projection.
It’s a masterpiece and a treasure — no joke!
As for how it sounds? Dark. Warm. Rich. Amazing. You must hear it for yourself.
Includes: a case with hygrometer, a decent bow, a torte mute, a small sponge case-humidifier, a shoulder strap, a microfiber cloth for cleaning and dreams of a musical journey . Own a piece of history and a gorgeous violin as a package for:$2,000.