Salzard Model Violin

This violin was made in Mirecourt, France around 1880. This instrument is a typical example of commercial Mirecourt, France production for export. J. Howard Foote, in his catalog published in 1882 describes the Salzard models: "The following are made by the successor of François Salzard, who died early in 1875. They are the only Violins made which rightfully bear the stamp - "Salzard à Paris" - and are imported by this house only: Nos. 5915 Genuine Salzard, beautiful dark color, elegant plain finish, ebony trimmings . . . Each $12.00"

The Salzard family of makers were working in Mirecourt from the last quarter of the 18th century. François was born in Mirecourt in 1808, the son of the Mirecourt maker Dominique Salzard. François established a business in his name in 1836 and later moved his activities to Paris. His son, Ernst André, born in 1842, studied under François and in 1863 opened a business first in Moscow and later in St. Petersburg as maker to the Imperial Court where he achieved an excellent reputation.

This violin is made of a two-piece table of spruce, back of maple in one piece bearing an even, medium, horizontal figure, ribs of complementary maple, mildly figured maple neck, pegbox and scroll, and a semi-opaque reddish-purple varnish.