A Violin From Johann Traugott Glass, Third Quarter 19th C.

Johann Traugott Glass (1819-1895) is considered the most successful practitioner of lutherie and instrument making from the Glass family, producing numerous well voiced instruments of commercial quality with commendable workmanship, ranging from workshop models branded “Glass” to the back, to more artistic interpretations of Stainer and Hopf, with a personal model he referred to as “Glassgeigen.” He worked quickly and efficiently, often in the traditional Klingenthal fashion of building on the back popularized by the Hopf family. Having said that, many are fully lined and properly blocked.

 

This violin from the third quarter of the 19th century is of the latter, better sort and likely dates to the 1870’s, presenting in fantastic condition for almost 150 years of age.  Of the higher level instruments J.T. Glass produced, this was the Hopf model - branded as such to the upper back with a crown also stamped into the button. Elegant selection of flamed maple for the back, with substantial contour to the shading of the varnish; a deep almost plumb brown over a golden yellow ground. The scroll, with a large eye, elegant and concentric for this sort of work, also matching, with generous arching to the body and distinctive f holes. Altogether, impossible to mistake for any Hopf production of the era, with a deep channel that terminates sharply before rounding into the edge. 

Recently acquired out of a private collection and prepared for setup and sale with a seasoned two-tree Despiau bridge, custom cut and complimented by dominant strings and clean antique fittings. Boasting a matured and highly resonant voice of well balanced quality with a timbre that I would describe as highly lyrical - colorful, but well defined, with a bright ringing edge and supple response.