VanCello Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 I have an old cello, dated to about 1800, that we always thought did not have a maker's signature, but a luthier who is doing some small work on it now discovered something that looks like a signature written on the underside of the top, which I am so excited about as I have always wondered what tales my instrument could tell. The writing is directly on the wood and has smudged significantly. It looks as though it may be a signature of either a maker or repairman (someone or other R. Frank), with the word Hamburg and D.R.P.(?) written below. I wondered if anyone might be able to shed some light on who this signature may belong to? There are also some numbers/letters. One looks as though it says L513. It is a beautiful instrument, originally from Germany or Czechoslovakia we were told when purchased around 1990, with a sweet warm tone. It is unusual because it is small--about a 7/8 size--and has a very rounded belly and back, with rather large f-holes. It actually looks quite like a Saxon cello, with a light almost yellow varnish. As it is currently with the luthier, I cannot upload images of the body at the moment. If anyone can help me solve some of the mystery I would appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
match Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 (edited) Probably "Paul u. R. Franke / Nürnberg". Paul Franke (1876-1947) run a workshop in Nuremberg Rudolf (1908-1977) was his son an pupil. Edit: Sorry I´m wrong, useless posting. Rudolf was son of Max Franke, Leipzig. Paul´s son was Alfred Franke. Edited February 16, 2017 by match Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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