Germany
Unknown

Wood, metal
ca. Early 20th century
Full Length: 23.5; Back Length: 14.1 in; Width lower bout 8 in / upper bout 6.5
Lutes – Violin Family – Folk Fiddle      

Violins featuring a carved man’s head instead of the traditional scroll are specialty instruments often referred to as ‘kopf’ which is German for head.  In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and even today’s modern master craftsmen sometimes carve human heads, lion heads, and historical figures, like Gaspard Duiffopruggar (found in this collection) onto the pegbox.

This early 20^th century Germany violin depicts a man “whistling” as the scroll of the peghead.  (Some have identified it as a handcrafted Bach head).  The violin was darkened from new to give it an aged look.  It is in excellent condition with a spruce top and a one-piece maple back.  Unlike the flatter designs popular in Cremona, this violin features a deep resonating body, with pronounced arching on the belly (the top plate) and a pronounced arch on the back replicating the shape of a Stainer violin.