A Good Violin By Johann Glass Made In Leipzig, 1929.

(Franz) Johann Glass (1847-1935) was the son of Johann Traugott Glass (1819-1895) and established himself in Leipzig, where he primarily worked for the Gewandhousorchester as an instrument maker and restorer, maintaining his position with the famous institution until he reached 80 years of age in 1927.

This characteristic example of his work demonstrates finesse built through an oeuvre of several decades and a still steady hand, crafted when Johann Glass was approximately 82 years old in 1929 - the year most commonly associated with The Great Depression for the infamous Wall Street crash that in no small part pushed the world closer to its Second World War.

Digression aside, this 1929 Glass violin was one of two career instruments belonging to a musician who held positions with the USO, New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. It presents in altogether good condition, save for two small (repaired) ascending wing cracks at the f holes and significant wear to the upper treble back edge from a lifetime of consistent use. Despite the modest value associated with Glass instruments, its voice demonstrates a quality that leaves absolutely no question as to why it was used in such prestigious performing institutions.