Violin from Hart and Son, London 1899

The Hart shop served the European market, in London, for over 100 years starting with George Hart, violin maker, and continuing with his son John. The violin we offer here was expertly made at their workshop in 1899.  The wood selection is excellent and the workmanship superb.  This instrument has aged and worn varnish from its 120 years but it is intact, accomplishing its job of enhancing the instrument's tone, removing the need for restoration work.  The violin has no cracks or visible repairs and is otherwise in excellent condition.  You will appreciate this particular instrument’s powerful voice all the way up the fingerboard and beautiful balance across all strings.

John Hart was renowned for his expert eye for fine instruments, and operated his shop in London along with fellow luthiers at Hill and Son.  Many fine Italian violins came through John's hands and his staff of makers were highly skilled with access to the finest violins in history to study.  John Hart is highly respected for his 1875 book The Violin:  Its Famous Makers and Imitators.