An Ornate Violin by Anton Sietz., Mittenwald,1840’s.

Perhaps the most recognized member of the Seitz family, Anton Seitz is more often associated with the Hornsteiner family and his tenure as chief foreman and master craftsman of the Neuner & Hornsteiner workshops in 19th century Mittenwald. This ornamental violin from the 1840’s by Anton Seitz bears a personal inscription to the inside of the top with a house number, a property Mittenwald records indicate was owned by the Hornsteiner family. Having said that there were as many as 18 members of the Seitz (or Seiz) family on record as instrument makers. The Neuner & Hornsteiner firm was founded early in the 19th century and grew to employ over 200 craftsmen under the direction of Ludwig Neuner (1840-1897).

The opulent design and patterns of purfling inlay trace inspiration from earlier Italian instruments still, namely Da Salo and Maggini in Brescia. The figural head, grafted onto a new neck stock, and portraying the visage of a Germanic lion with vines flowing down the cheeks of the peg box. At close to 180 years of age, the patina and aesthetic impact rEnders an altogether striking example of German violin making traditions.