A French Violin Marketed By Williams & Sons in Toronto, Early 20th Century

An Early 20th century French violin from the better commercial output of the Laberte-Magnie workshops, imported and marketed by R.S. Williams & Sons Co. Limited in Tor onto, Canada under the trade name, Pietro Vareni. These Vareni violins always bear a label in the belly dated 1910 with a Neapolitan attribution, but were supplied by several sources from both Germany and France. Such as it is, this practice necessitates that each violin receive individual adjudication for provenance and merit. Whereas the German examples routinely retail for $2,500, examples such as this would be offered for twice as much without the association of the trade name, which really only serves to give us historical context in its journey through at least three countries thus far.

This violin features a two piece maple back of tight descending flame, with matching ribs and headstock. A clean, well executed scroll and wide, symmetrical f-hole juxtapose against soft, rounded edge work and petite corners which immediately draw the eye to the consistency of the purfling. The varnish, lightly antiqued and well shaded orange with notes of brown and yellow over a golden ground, demonstrating the additional textures of a light craquelure. Equipped with rosewood fittings for a delightful contrast and Dominant strings, with a notably well rounded and flexible voice that is sure to please advancing students and young professionals alike.