A German Viola Dating To The 1930’s. 15.5”

Patterned after Guarneri and bearing the subsequent facsimile label in the belly, further noted, “Made in Germany.” In so far as imports are concerned, this broadly stipulates that the item was made between 1880 and 1939, the period of time between the Franco-Prussian War and WWII. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1891 required the country of origin to be present on labels of violins but was revised in 1914 to additionally include “Made In.” Having said that, the country of origin was not specifically required to be written in English until a subsequent revision in 1921. The McKinley Act and its revisions are colloquially referred to as truth in labeling laws. That said, it is remarkably evident from the materials, craftsmanship, and finish that this German viola dates to the earlier half of the 1930’s. At 15.5” it boasts a mellow, well seasoned voice with a pleasing woody quality to the C string. Presenting in good condition with only minor surface scuffs to the finish and freshly appointed with Indian rosewood fittings. The setup includes a new fingerboard and saddles, new bridge and post, and a set of heliocore strings.