A 20th Century French Violin From Laberte, Guadagnini Model.
Marc André Joseph Laberte (1880 - 1963) inherited the family workshop founded by his father, Pierre Alexis Laberte and Maurice-Emile Laberte in 1876. Although records indicate that he was actively involved as both a luthier and bow maker as early as 1911, he would inherit the leadership role at the firm only a few years later in 1915. Under his leadership the firm flourished and grew, collecting and producing both master instruments and renowned craftsman such as Gerorge Apparut, Charles Brugère, and Camille Poirson, to name a few. In 1919, he had successfully managed a merger with Fourier Magnié to establish Laberte-Humbert Frères, Fourier Magnié Réunis, which employed over 300 tradesman by the following year. André Emile Philippe Laberte would pick up his fathers mantle as the fifth generation luthier to manage the company but struggled to maintain production, distribution, and further diversification through the turmoil of WWII.
Higher end trade fiddles from the upper echelon of Mirecourt making firms of the first half of the 20th century are increasingly in demand as competitive alternatives to the more expensive Chinese and contemporary Bulgarian instruments prevalent through the market today; priced still significantly lower than well regarded modern makers and offering a tradition in craftsmanship and performance spanning over a centennial now and some generations of dedicated musicians.
Ascribed after Guadagnini and boasting an attractive back length of 355mm, with wide but tight flamed maple of matching selection for the back, ribs, and head, with even grained spruce for the top. Finished in the pre-war burnt orange color that we have become accustomed to seeing on the higher end production left un-antiqued. Modern Rosewood fittings to accompany the original pegs, still in good working order, with a fresh setup which results in a pleasing voice that is at once warm, woody, but demonstrating both precision and flexibility. Rather good condition, save some minor distress to the varnish and a repair to the button, for which it has been priced accordingly.