This interesting and incredibly rare instrument bears the pencil inscription on the upper back that it was started in 1886 when Thomas was aged 18 and following his premature death in 1905 finished off by his father and brother in 1906. This testimony is supported by the fact that the former neck-block bore the brand F. Calow, Nottingham. The 20 years to complete, quite probably setting a world record for the longest completion of any stringed instrument if not any type of musical instrument. Even more incredible is the fact that Barry Young, who was the former principal of Northern Ireland`s Ulster Orchestra for an unprecedented 41 years had used the instrument as his main companion just as he had purchased it himself - setup with its original hand-made “footless” bridge still fitted! The original Calow, Nottingham branded bridge to have remained fitted for + or - 130 years quite possibly setting another world record.

The instrument has recently undergone an extensive-rebuilt that has given it poise, balance and grace and the largest and most punchy sound imaginable. For those investors wanting even more provenance, the instrument is featured in full colour on pages 96-97 of the exquisitely produced publication entitled The English Double Bass by Thomas Martin, Martin Lawrence and George Martin.

Stats:

Reference number #2895