Object Details
Description
This violin was made by an unknown maker, possibly in Italy around 1878-1882. It has a reproduction Jacob Stainer label, and is curiously referenced as Italian in origin by the New York musical instrument dealer, J. Howard Foote. Foote, in his commercial musical instrument catalog of November 1880, describes his Italian violins as follows: ". . . these goods are often sold as French; their excellent quality, handsome models, choice wood, and beautiful varnish, being even more attractive than the French of similar grades." This violin, item number 5908 is listed as: "Fine Copy of Jacobus Stainer, bird's-eye maple back, elegant varnish - a little gem - ebony trimmings . . . $17.00 each." This violin is made of a table of cedar in one piece, bird’s-eye maple back, ribs, neck, pegbox and scroll, and a transparent yellow-orange varnish.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of J. Howard Foote
Date made
1878 - 1882
ID Number
MI.055679
catalog number
55679
accession number
11535
Object Name
violin
Physical Description
maple (back; ribs; neck material)
pine (belly material)
ebony (tail piece; finger board; tuning pegs material)
Measurements
overall: 23 5/8 in x 6 7/8 in x 3 1/2 in; 60.0075 cm x 17.4625 cm x 8.89 cm
place made
Italy
Related Publication
Densmore, Frances. Handbook of the Collection of Musical Instruments in the United States National Museum.
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Violins
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_605545