INSTRUMENT LABELS

A cautionary note must accompany any article on the subject of makers labels. Violin dealers operate in an industry that is rife with instruments bearing false labels. Expertise derives from having the opportunity, as a restorer with many years at the bench, over forty years in my case, to examine instruments that possess their original labels and signatures, and therefore, the ability to learn and identify good from bad.

I recall at the very start of my career in the violin trade, back in 1983, that the label was in fact, the very last thing one looked at when examining an instrument. I was taught to examine an instrument to judge firstly, country of origin, age, area within that country and then to narrow down stylistically, makers of that time and place. If it had an original label in there, then that was a bonus. It was a good schooling and a formula many, that I would imagine most all dealers, work to today.

The instrument labels and signatures that I include in the following are, to the very best of my knowledge and skill, originals. They are taken over recent years from instruments I have had on the bench for restorations or repairs.

Johannes Theodorus Cuypers – Violin maker in the Netherlands (1724 – 1808)

A very well respected maker, operating out of the Hague from 1752, probably until his death in 1708. The hand written label, of two parts, placed either side of the inner back, is dated 1807.

Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mezin (Pere) 1841 – 1923

Charles J B Collin Mezin, was one of the leading makers of the latter half of 19th century. Originally from Mirecourt, itself a major centre of stringed instrument making, then moved to Paris, establishing a prominent place in the Parisian group of Luthiers.

Pierre Joseph Hel 1842 – 1902 

Pierre Joseph Hel found his first training in Mirecourt with Francois Salzard, before moving to the workshops of Sebastien Vuillaume based in Paris. In 1865 Hel was confident enough to open his own premises in Lille, where he worked until his death in 1902.

Tomaso Eberle 1725 – c1792 

Tomaso Eberle, though originally from Fussen, moved to Naples before taking up violin making. The Neapolitan school was dominated by the Gagliano family of makers, and is probable that Eberle received his training from one of the members of this prominent violin making family.

Thomas Kennedy 1784 – 1870

A maker who established an initial interest in violin making from his father John, before going on to serve as an apprentice to Thomas Powell in the 1790’s. Thomas Kennedy set up his first workshop in the West End of London, after a brief time with William Forster III.

A maker who was well respected for his cellos, primarily signed internally and labelled accordingly.

W E Hill & Sons 1880 – 1992

A firm of instrument and bow makers, specialist dealers at the highest level for over a century. This label was from an instrument made at the turn of the 20th century in the Hill workshop, probably by one of their French craftsmen.

Georg Winterling 1859 – 1929

This label and signature is from a violin dated 1907 in Hamburg.