SOLD Leopold Widhalm Violin, Nuremberg c1770

Leopold Widhalm violin c1770 with original W E Hill & Sons Receipt and Certificate dated 1950.
 
Amazing full, voluptuous arching. Two piece maple back with glorious flame, matching ribs and scroll. Two piece front with very fine grain to the centre, widening only slightly towards the edges.
 
Super condition, just a few professionally restored cracks to front (not soundpost or bass bar).  Peg holes bushed.  Replacement neck with ebony crown to button.
 
Rich golden amber varnish with a touch of red, plenty of original with some small areas of retouching.
 
New set-up with a professionally cut bridge with rosewood pegs.
 
Full, rounded tone, even response across strings, a joy to play.
 
Suitable for a professional player.
 
LOB: 355mm
 
Biography:
 
WIDHALM, Leopold (I) Born 1722, died 1776 Nuremberg Germany. Generally recognised as the best German maker following Stainer. Very distinctive and graceful model with medium high arch and deeply fluted at the edges. Broad purfling, beautifully inlaid. Soundholes based on the Stainer pattern, but refined and neat without any exaggeration. The scroll is also very well worked, a synthesis of Amati and Stainer patterns. Some instruments have carved pearwood heads. Characteristic edgework having the underside strongly chamfered with a knife cut. Interior blocks and linings of pine with ‘c’ bouts morticed. Varnish particularly good, ranging from light golden-brown in early work, to a dark orange-brown in the mature period, but always of a rich, soft translucency and frequently with a fine crackled texture. Excellent materials. [John Dilworth]