This violin is a superb example of a quality French instrument made by the famous luthier, Jean Baptiste Colin at Mirecourt, Paris in 1894.
Jean-Baptiste Colin was born in 1841 and worked as an apprentice with his father. He later moved to Belgium working with the top European luthier, Nicolas-Francois Villaume.
Colin moved to Paris in 1868 where he began making his own violins. They were said to be superior to those made by the current French violin makers at that time.
At the Paris exhibition of violins in 1879, 1889 and 1890, Colin was awarded Gold Medal winner, a coveted position for any European violin maker.
Jean-Baptiste Colin died in Paris in 1923 having retired from violin making some years earlier.
This instrument has been professionally set up by expert violin restorer and craftsman, Paul Gerrish, one of the top restorers in the U.K.
http://www.paulgerrish.com/
The instrument had a crack on the belly which has been professionally repaired. It is noticeable but does not in any way reflect on the excellent sound and playability of this instrument. The crack runs from the top of the F-hole to the top of the violin. Many of the famous Stradivarius violins in the world have had small cracks repaired over the years. If repaired professionally, the instruments will be fine and last another lifetime and more.
A new bridge and sound-post has been fitted to the instrument together with Pirastro Tonica strings. This instrument is a treat to play and will only gain in value in the years to come.
Violins of this age and quality are becoming very scarce and are extremely collectable.
