Reviews

Tell me about this instrument. This is an absolutely magnificent example of the work of George Craske. It is of violin outline and has a flat back with upper angle break. The front and back have an "affect" purfilling. The golden-brown varnish is the original. The instrument bears two repair labels on the inside back and a pen inscription on the bass side lower- rib. Unfortunately there is no maker's label or inscription present. So how can you be so sure that this instrument is made by George Craske? If you have interest or have studied the violin family of...

How would you describe this instrument? Truly magnificent would be a good start. Just truly magnificent. Anything else? This is without doubt an exceptional example of the work of John Fredrick Lott Jnr. who is recognised as one of the greatest - if not the greatest of all English makers. What is the instruments connection with the Royal Artillery? The instrument was formerly the property of the Royal Artillery and appears to have been in their ownership since 1858. How do you know that? The back of the peg box bears the brand R.A.BAND 3 1858. The back button bears...

Wow - a double bass bow by the legend that is Bernard Millant. Yes indeed. It is a pretty rare occasion to find a Bernard Millant violin, viola or cello bow for sale - so to find a Bernard Millant double bass bow on the market is incredibly rare. Why don't they come up for sale very often? Well - its simply because the players who were fortunate enough to acquire one of the "limited" number that he made treasure their beauty and playing qualities so much that they just don't want to part with them. Any others that may...

What does "Frères"- mean? "Frères" means bothers. In this instance it refers to the brothers Ernest Auguste Bernadel [1826-1899] and Gustave Adolphe Bernadel [1832 - 1904]. Their father was Auguste Sebastien Philippe Bernadel [1798 - 1870]. There is much written about this talented family of makers and their work is widely recognised for their fine modelling, supremely neat workmanship and their superb varnishes. Who does Gand refer to here? In this instance Gand refers to Charles Nicolas Eugéne Gand [1825 -1892]. Charles Nicholas Eugéne Gand was the son of Charles François Gand [1782 - 1845] who was known as "Gand...