Omobono Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 In flicking through the recently ended tarisio auction files I spotted a Carcassi head (it doesn't state the head is not original) with what appears to be either a rivet/(stud?) or decorative black dot at the center of the volute of the scroll on both sides. I cannot recall ever seeing something like this before. Nor do I see any similar device in any other Carcassi. I seem to have some recollection of a similar idea on some early fiddle with perhaps a gemstone removed? (Or a I getting confused with the 'Red Violin' in the fictitious story?) Any thoughts about this? What does come to mind is the 18th Century 'beauty spot' fashion.....
Omobono Posted March 29, 2018 Author Report Posted March 29, 2018 The Soil Strad has an intriguing spot at the center of the volute which looks suspiciously like a fill for a previous insert? Whether of Strad's doing or otherwise is another question......
martin swan Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 I have a Michael Albani like this - I think there was briefly a fashion for setting a precious stone in the eye of the scroll.
Omobono Posted March 29, 2018 Author Report Posted March 29, 2018 5 hours ago, martin swan said: I think there was briefly a fashion for setting a precious stone in the eye of the scroll. Briefly, Martin, because the precious stones became a distraction? What do you think was going on with the Soil above?
joshuabeyer Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 The Nicolo Amati "King Louis XIV, ex Youssoupov" violin of 1656 has gemstones set into the eyes of the scroll (a ruby in one side and an emerald in the other). There are also matching gemstones incorporated into the fleur-de-lis designs on the top plate. I can't find a good picture of the scroll online, but it's part of the Corcoran collection in DC, and featured in a few books/articles.
christian bayon Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 Yes, the Soil is suposed to have gems on the scroll.
Joel Pautz Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 3 hours ago, joshuabeyer said: The Nicolo Amati "King Louis XIV, ex Youssoupov" violin of 1656 has gemstones set into the eyes of the scroll (a ruby in one side and an emerald in the other). There are also matching gemstones incorporated into the fleur-de-lis designs on the top plate. I can't find a good picture of the scroll online, but it's part of the Corcoran collection in DC, and featured in a few books/articles. Good Catch!http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_763853
gowan Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 15 minutes ago, Joel Pautz said: Good Catch!http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_763853 This Smithsonian story says that the CT scans show the stones have the density of glass. Does this mean they are not actually gems?
David Burgess Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 17 minutes ago, gowan said: This Smithsonian story says that the CT scans show the stones have the density of glass. Does this mean they are not actually gems? When was there not a propensity for faking, in the fiddle business?
mysticpaw Posted March 29, 2018 Report Posted March 29, 2018 2 hours ago, David Burgess said: When was there not a propensity for faking, in the fiddle business? Considering it was donated by Herbert Axelrod, anything is possible I guess !!
Ron1 Posted March 30, 2018 Report Posted March 30, 2018 My favorite American maker occasionally added ebony extensions to the ears of his scrolls, as well as other (usually ebony) trim at various other locations on his instruments.
Pate Bliss Posted March 30, 2018 Report Posted March 30, 2018 On 3/29/2018 at 12:16 AM, Omobono said: The Soil Strad has an intriguing spot at the center of the volute which looks suspiciously like a fill for a previous insert? Has it been x-rayed? Could be a lost chapter of The Da Vinci Code stashed in there.
Omobono Posted March 31, 2018 Author Report Posted March 31, 2018 Thanks to all. Especially delighted to see that Nicolo Amati. Wow! That's brilliant. So what would be the verdict on the Carcassi? - original work in ebony? - later ornamentation?
martin swan Posted April 2, 2018 Report Posted April 2, 2018 It took me a while to track down this photo. The violin is a Michael Albani - shock horror, not a GENUINE TYROLEAN VIOLIN??!!??
Omobono Posted April 4, 2018 Author Report Posted April 4, 2018 On 03/04/2018 at 3:48 AM, martin swan said: It took me a while to track down this photo. The violin is a Michael Albani - shock horror, not a GENUINE TYROLEAN VIOLIN??!!?? Oh No!!! (Thanks for going to the trouble, Martin ....... )
Jpl0109 Posted November 25, 2022 Report Posted November 25, 2022 On 3/29/2018 at 7:00 PM, Ron1 said: My favorite American maker occasionally added ebony extensions to the ears of his scrolls, as well as other (usually ebony) trim at various other locations on his instruments. Hi I know this is very old, but which American maker are you referring to?
Ron1 Posted November 26, 2022 Report Posted November 26, 2022 Knute Reindahl (1857-1936) Maker in Chicago, Ill & Madison, WI
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