Import from Italy
C. Bruno & Son, NY  

Wood, ebony, mother-of-pearl
ca. 1880’s-1890’s
Length 23.5 in
Strings – Lutes – Violin Family

Printed inscription inside reads: Nella, Raphael / Brescia A. 1652

This is an antique violin from the late 1800s. It is inlaid with mother of pearl in a clover pattern on the top and back, as well as on the ebony finger board and tailpiece.  The edges are decorated throughout with beautiful rope-like purfling.  This violin (fiddle) was most likely sold by C. Bruno & Son with a label from Brescia, Italy. (?)

C. Bruno & Son was a large manufacturer of instruments in New York between 1884 and 1924. Its founder, Charles Bruno, moved from Germany to Macon, Georgia in 1832. Two years later he moved to New York and opened a bookshop which evolved into a successful distribution business of musical instruments. In particular, he imported violin-family instruments from Europe for sales in America.

Upon his death in 1884, Charles Bruno left the business to his son. The firm did make some of its own instruments, but most were just branded and sold by the shop. Bruno was an excellent entrepreneur and with his wide knowledge of music history, he was able to sell fine instruments all over the country.    C. Bruno & Son became one of the largest instrument sellers in New York at the time.