Acoulon & Blondelet “Sarasate” Violin From JTL, Circa 1908-1914.

This Sarasate-Artiste violin from JTL dates to the early 20th century and bears an interior label for Acoulon & Blondelet. Hughes Emile Blondelet (1875-1928) became Co—Director of the JTL workshop with Acoulon in 1908, with their joint label placed in their higher end productions. Whereas said line continued into the 40’s, this particular violin was most likely made between 1908-1914, and has a back length of 361.5mm. It presents in good condition, with minor wear to the varnish commensurate with its age and consistent use.

There are but a few firms who one might claim have contributed to and shaped our industry as much as that of JTL, a powerhouse of craftsmanship operating from 1857-1968, which produced as many as 150,000 instruments, bows, and other products yearly at its height and employed over 1000 craftsmen. Their extensive catalogue and collections serviced every niche of the classical music industry, ranging from commercial instruments a child might start their musical journey on to definitive works still honored and sought after today by performers and collectors alike, as well as everything you could imagine in between.