NMM 4849.  Violin, Italy, ca. 1850-1870.  Printed paper label with floral border, the last two digits of year written "32" in faded black ink, and overwritten "52" in pencil:  Joseph Baldantonj Anconae / fecit Anno 18[32/52].  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with wide grain, broadening toward the flanks.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut maple with medium grain, descending from treble to bass;  spalting on lower treble edge;  two maple dowels through back into top and bottom blocks, just inside of purfling.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple of varying curls:  plain, faint medium, and faint broad curl;  corners chamfered and stained black.  Head and neck:  maple, narrow curl;  scroll and pegbox edges chamfered and stained black;  neck slightly re-angled at heel.  Varnish:  medium orange.  F-holes:  slightly undercut.  Linings:  poplar.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Inside of body stained light orange-brown, including label.  Chin wear on bass and treble sides of tailpiece.  Back length:  358 mm.  Upper bout width:  167 mm.  Center bout width:  110 mm.  Lower bout width:  207 mm.  Rib height:  29-32 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  324 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 134 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 5914.  Violin attributed to Honoré Derazey, Mirecourt, ca. 1850-1870.  Handwritten paper label in black ink:  Gaſpard Duiffopruggar / Boimamellia, Anno 1516.  Incised into ribs in large block letters, painted black:  upper bass rib:  VIVA FVI;  lower bass rib:  IVI SYLVIS DEO;  lower treble rib:  VI MORT VA;  upper treble rib:  DUL CE ╪.  Rib inscription an abridgement of the Latin verse, "Viva fui in Sylvis; sum dura occisa securi; Dum vixi, tacui, mortua dulce cano," which translates, "I was living in the forest; the cruel ax did slay me. Living, I was mute, Dead, I sweetly sing."Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, ascending from treble to bass.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl;  center ribs lined on inside with black paper.  Head:  plain maple;  pegbox terminates in carved head of elderly, bearded man wearing an acanthus wreath and a ruff;  back of pegbox flat, with incised and black-painted vine pattern;  decorative cutouts on back of pegbox;  grafted neck.  Purfling:  double;  inner band follows outline of carved and inlaid decoration;  inlaid before appliqués affixed, which slightly overlap purfling.  Decoration:  spruce three-lobe oak leaf appliqués on corners of top;  maple three-lobe oak leaf appliqués on corners of back;  abstract foliate spear-shaped appliqué surrounded by decorative purfling on upper back, below button;  walnut, burn-shaded cherry, burn-shaded boxwood, rosewood, maple, and ebony marquetry scene of a castle on lower back, surrounded by pointed-arch-shaped purfling terminating in a purfled French cross with inlaid cherry trefoils at the ends of the arms;  walnut, burn-shaded cherry, burn-shaded boxwood, burn-shaded maple, and rosewood rectangular marquetry town scenes within inlaid, brown-stained hardwood fillet, crossed line decoration on center ribs.  Varnish:  medium red-brown;  shaded on upper and lower bouts of top, over marquetry decoration on back, and on ribs.  F-holes:  long f-holes;  very narrow upper and lower wings;  notches minimally offset;  inside edges stained black.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Chin wear to top on bass side of tailpiece.  Back length:  369 mm.  Upper bout width:  170 mm.  Center bout width:  115 mm.  Lower bout width:  210 mm.  Rib height:  29-30 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  329 mm.  Ex coll.:  Vladimir Lenski, North Hollywood, California.  Gift of Kathleen Lenski, Los Angeles, California, 1995.

Lit.: "Violinist Performs on 435-Year-Old Instrument He Values at $100,000," Los Angeles Times, May 8, 1950, Part II, p. 24.

NMM 1145.  Violin, North America or Europe, ca. 1850-1880.  Handwritten paper label on upper treble rib, under present lining: Mennonite Made in 1768. Carried to /  Russia in 1817. Brought to the / United States in 1856. Purchased /  from his Grand Son, and remod- / -eled by me in 1898. E. G. Smith  / at least 130 years /  old at this time. Vermillion, S. D.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with medium grain, broadening toward the flanks.  Back:  two-piece, slab-cut boxelder with slight bird's-eye figure;  hardwood dowel through button on treble side of center joint;  hardwood dowel through back into bottom block on treble side of center joint.  Ribs:  slab-cut and semi-slab cut acacia.  Head and neck:  beech.  Purfling: none.  Varnish:  golden;  probably later.  F-holes:  rounded upper and lower wings;  undercut, more deeply at eyes.  Linings:  spruce;  later;  slightly overlap corner blocks.  Corner blocks:   spruce;  small.  Top block:  integral with neck;  platform of glue and woodshavings added between block and back;  spruce wedges.  Circular saw marks visible on inside and outside of ribs.  Back length:  343 mm.  Upper bout width:  157 mm.  Center bout width:  106 mm.  Lower bout width:  191 mm.  Rib height:  27-29 mm.  Stop length:  188 mm.  Vibrating string length:  312 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 123 mm.  Ex coll.:  Judge E. G. Smith, Vermillion.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. 

NMM 3344.  Violin, Germany, ca. 1850-1880.  Small printed paper label, visble through bass f-hole (perhaps a William Lewis and Son number):  1035.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, angled to left.  Head and neck:  maple, narrow curl;  possibly later.  Arching:  high and full.  Varnish:  medium orange-brown with craquelure.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Back length:  358 mm.  Upper bout width:  163 mm.  Center bout width:  108 mm.  Lower bout width:  203 mm.  Rib height:  27-29 mm.  Stop length:  188 mm.  Vibrating string length:  312 mm.  Gift of Mary Wilson Estate, Vermillion, 1981. 

NMM 4590.  Violin, Mirecourt, ca. 1850-1880.  Printed paper label:  Jean Baptiste Vuillaume à Paris / Rue Croix des Petit Champs [+BV monogram in double circle].  Incised into ribs in large block letters, painted black:  upper bass rib:  VIVA FVI;  lower bass rib:  IVI SYLVIS DEO;  lower treble rib:  VI MORT VA;  upper treble rib:  DUL CE ╪.  Decorated in style of Honoré Derazey.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with medium grain, broadening at the flanks.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl;  rib corners chamfered.  Head:  plain maple;  pegbox terminates in carved head of elderly, bearded man;  back of pegbox flat, incised with vine design into which silver leaf has been applied under the varnish;  decorative cutouts on back of pegbox.  Neck:  maple, medium curl;  grafted;  possibly original, with the intent of simulating age through an imitation modernization;  woodworm damage predates carving of neck.  Purfling:  double;  inner band follows outline of carved and inlaid decoration;  inlaid before appliqués affixed, which slightly overlap purfling.  Decoration:  spruce five-leaf sprig appliqués on corners of top;  maple seven-leaf sprig appliqués on corners of back;  foliate heart appliqué surrounded by decorative purfling on upper back, below button;  walnut, ash, burn-shaded cherry, burn-shaded boxwood, and ebony marquetry scene of a castle on lower back, surrounded by foliate purfling;  walnut, burn-shaded cherry, burn-shaded boxwood, burn-shaded maple, and rosewood rectangular marquetry town scenes within incised, crossed line decoration on center ribs.  Varnish:  medium orange-brown.  Fingerboard:  ebony;  no channel under neck position.  Nut:  bone.  Pegs:  three varnished boxwood with flat head surfaces and mother-of-pearl eyes set in ebony rings;  one varnished boxwood with undercut head.  Endpin:  stained boxwood with mother-of-pearl eye and incised ring around outside edge.  F-holes:  rounded upper and lower wings.  Linings:  wide spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Original bassbar.  Back length:  369 mm.  Upper bout width:  171 mm.  Center bout width:  113 mm.  Lower bout width:  213 mm.  Rib height:  30-33 mm.  Stop length:  197 mm.  Vibrating string length:  328 mm.  Neck length (nut to ribs): 130 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 828.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1850-1890.  Unlabelled.  Scratched into back of pegbox:  E. N.   Pencil inscription on inside of lower treble rib, partially underneath corner block: 3 X.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks;  dowel through top into bottom block, just above saddle, now missing.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending from treble to bass;  oak (?) dowel through back button into neck heel.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Purfling:  double;  inner band reverse colored.  Decoration:  inlaid with symmetrical geometric motif on top and back:  mother-of-pearl diamonds and reverse-colored purfling inlaid on each bout of top, continuing from inner band of purfling;  similar decoration on back, with further mother-of-pearl and stained hardwood geometric inlay along center line, continuing from inner band of purfling.  Varnish:  medium brown, staining varnish;  shaded on back near inlaid decoration.  Pegs:  evidence of machine heads, now removed.  Saddle:  extended slightly into upper portion of rib, now missing.  F-holes:  undercut.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Bottom block: spruce; grain runs parallel to top and back. Circular saw and burn marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  357 mm.  Upper bout width:  159 mm.  Center bout width:  107 mm.  Lower bout width:  199 mm.  Rib height:  30-31 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  318 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 121 mm.  Ex coll.:  Stanley G. Newton, Ottumwa, Iowa.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

NMM 1303.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1850-1890.  Unlabelled.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain;  filled flaw in lower bass corner, under purfling.  Back:  one-piece, semi-slab-cut, plain maple.  Ribs:  plain maple cut off-the-quarter.  Head and neck:  plain maple;  tall rise over top edge;  pegbox terminates in an abstract lion's head, with holes drilled in the ears, and a separate red-painted maple tongue, the end carved into a dowel, glued into a hole drilled in the mouth.  Arching:  full, symmetrical arching begins far inside purfling;  possibly machine-carved.  Decoration:  castle on a rock outcrop with turrets and crenellated towers carved in relief on lower back;  silver-colored metal inserted into three window openings.  Varnish:  light brown;  shaded over back decoration.  Tailpiece:  ebony;  decoratively molded saddle carved rather than inlaid;  decorative reeding and fluting below curved groove at bottom end;  scalloped bottom edge;  one silver-plated brass fine tuner.  Pegs:  four black-varnished ebony with mother-of-pearl eyes.  Saddle:  black-varnished walnut;  set into top.  F-holes:  notch edges rounded off;  inside edges stained dark red-brown.  Linings:  small spruce at joint between center treble rib and back;  no linings at other joints.  Corner blocks:  hollow spruce lower corner blocks;  no upper corner blocks.  Top block:  integral with neck;  wider at top;  spruce shims between top block and ribs.  Bassbar:  very narrow;  very short.  Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  361 mm.  Upper bout width:  170 mm.  Center bout width:  104 mm.  Lower bout width:  212 mm.  Rib height:  30-33 mm.  Stop length:  198 mm.  Vibrating string length:  328 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 132 mm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. 

NMM 4741. Violin (1/64-size), Mittenwald, ca. 1850-1890. Unlabelled. Top: one-piece, quarter-cut spruce, medium grain. Back: one-piece, quarter-cut maple with faint, broad curl. Ribs: quarter-cut, plain maple; one-piece lower rib with scored marks at top and bottom indicating center position. Head and neck: plain maple; scroll broken off and missing. Varnish: medium brown; neck varnished. Fingerboard: ebony; bottom end slightly tapered. Nut: ebony. Tailpiece: black-varnished, dark red hardwood; saddle carved rather than inlaid; saddle does not fully extend to edges. Pegs: three black-stained, dark red hardwood. Saddle: ebony; finished with same varnish as body. Endpin: ebony with mother-of-pearl eye. F-holes: large notches; undercut. Linings: spruce. Corner blocks: spruce. Back length: 178 mm. Upper bout width: 79 mm. Center bout width: 53 mm. Lower bout width: 104 mm. Rib height: 15.5-16.5 mm. Stop length: 97 mm. Vibrating string length: 168 mm. Original neck length (nut to ribs): 72 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989.

NMM 4855.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1850-1890. Brand on inside of back and on outside of back below button, under varnish: D[A]VId HOPF. Typewritten, peach-colored paper label, later: DAVID HOFF / ZWOTENTHAL 1780. Top: two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks. Back: two-piece maple cut off-the-quarter, with very narrow curl, ascending from treble to bass. Ribs: maple cut off-the-quarter, narrow curl. Head and neck: plain maple. Varnish: dark brown. Saddle: missing; extended into top portion of rib. F-holes: wide-set; steeply pointed wings; undercut. Linings: spruce. Corner blocks: spruce lower corner blocks; hollow spruce upper corner blocks, now filled in. Top block: integral with neck; jutting foot at bottom, longer at bottom than top; slightly bevelled edges; rectangular platforms carved from top and back under top block; spruce wedges between top block and ribs. Bottom block: spruce; rounded platforms carved from top and back under bottom block. Bassbar: carved from top; low height; corners cut on ends to form points. Fine-toothed plane marks visible on inside of ribs and back. Back length: 356 mm. Upper bout width: 164 mm. Center bout width: 112 mm. Lower bout width: 203 mm. Rib height: 29-30 mm. Stop length: 193 mm. Vibrating string length: 330 mm. Original neck length (nut to ribs): 137 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989.

NMM 9854.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1850-1890.  Unlabelled.  Written in pencil on inside of lower treble rib:  451.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, fine grain;  one maple dowel through top into top block on bass side of center joint;  one maple dowel through top into bottom block on treble side of center joint.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, angled to left in upper bass bout, angled to right in upper treble bout, not angled in center bouts, angled to right in lower bass bout, angled to left in lower treble bout.  Head and neck:  maple, medium curl;  neck heel slightly flared at back button;  channel in neck under fingerboard position.  Purfling:  double;  narrow gauge.  Decoration:  inlaid on back with geometric, grape vine, and grape leaf motifs in narrow gauge purfling at top edge, bottom edge, and center;  center medallion of four concentric purfled diamonds surrounded by eight grape leaves.  Varnish:  medium brown;  shaded on upper and lower portions of top and back, over inlaid back medallion, and on upper and lower bouts of ribs.  Tailpiece:  varnished ebony;  mother-of-pearl eye;  brass saddle.  Pegs:  one ebony with missing eye, the edge not rounded off, probably original;  two ebony;  one black-stained rosewood.  Saddle:  ebony;  extends into top portion of rib.  Endpin:  black-varnished hardwood.  F-holes:  undercut;  large eyes.  Linings:  spruce;  end about 5-10 mm before reaching top block on each side.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Top block:  spruce;  small.  Bottom block:  spruce;  faceted corners;  grain runs parallel to top and back.  Bassbar:  carved from top;  shallow.  Circular saw and burn marks visible on inside of ribs.  Chin wear to top on bass side of tailpiece.  Back length:  360 mm.  Upper bout width:  165 mm.  Center bout width:  110 mm.  Lower bout width:  204 mm.  Rib height:  30-31 mm.  Stop length:  197 mm.  Vibrating string length:  330 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 130 mm. Gift of Larry Kitzel, McPherson, Kansas, 2000. 

NMM 10183. Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1850-1890. Printed, brown-stained, and varnished paper label, the last two digits of year written in black ink: [dashed line] / Pestus e Coſts fecit ad / ſimili[illeg.]dinem illorum quos fecerunt / Antonius & Hieronymus Fratres Amati / Cremonenſes Filii Andre:e. Tarviſit Anno 1757. Stamp on back of pegbox, lower end: IN[oblit.]L. Top: two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with wide grain on bass side, narrow grain on treble side. Back: two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow, horizontal curl; notch on inside lower edge at endpin indicating center position; ebony crown over button; nail through button into neck, later. Ribs: quarter-cut maple, narrow curl; lower ribs divided by purfling strip. Head: plain maple; pegbox terminates in large lion's head with fully carved face, mane, and ears, and incised whiskers and beard; back of pegbox flat; inside of pegbox stained black. Neck: maple: quilted figure; second of two neck grafts. Purfling: small diamond-shaped brands applied over top and back purfling; dogtooth-pattern incised and burned inside purfling on top; three rosewood diamonds inlaid at each top corner over purfling, one over the purfling corner, two following the purfling; two rosewood diamonds and four rosewood rectangles inlaid along purfling near back button; mother-of-pearl diamonds inlaid at each back corner over the purfling corner, all later. Decoration: carved, incised, branded, and stained decoration on top and back, later: top: vines carved in relief on upper and lower bouts over incised, crosshatched-line and branded vines-and-flowers background, dark brown stain applied to top and removed from high points to bring out relief, crosshatched diamonds incised and burned into upper bouts, vines and flowers emerging from pots and urns branded into center bouts, mid-nineteenth-century-style church with cupola and four columns incised below bridge, no decoration under fingerboard or tailpiece; back, upper bout: tree with three thin, intertwined trunks, spade-shaped leaves and keyhole-shaped flowers emerging from box, a spread eagle perched at top of tree, a woodpecker, swallow, and nightingale perched in the branches, all carved in relief over crosshatched-line background, dark brown stain applied to top and removed from high points to bring out relief; back, center bout: two nightingales perched on goblets on each side of a birdcage (one drinking from goblet), all inside an enclosure carved in relief, with incised, crosshatched lines interspersed with incised dots, and dogtooth-pattern edges, dark brown stain applied to top and removed from high points to bring out relief; back, lower bout: four-stemmed vine, with serrated, spade-shaped leaves, dome-shaped flowers, gooseberry-like fruit, and vine suckers, emerging from crosshatched pot, with a nightingale perched at top, background all carved in relief over incised crosshatched-line and branded vines, flowers, and birds, dark brown stain applied to top and removed from high points to bring out relief. Varnish: medium brown; later. Fingerboard: ebony; underside of bottom edge slightly beveled; later. Saddle: ebony; finished with same varnish as body; later. F-holes: large notches; slightly undercut; inside edges stained dark red-brown. Linings: spruce; set into corner blocks. Corner blocks: spruce. Top block: spruce; rounded, maple platform added to back under top block. Bassbar: narrow; later. Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs; inside of body stained dark brown. Back length: 357 mm. Upper bout width: 166 mm. Center bout width: 109 mm. Lower bout width: 203 mm. Rib height: 29-30 mm. Stop length: 190 mm. Vibrating string length: 322 mm. Neck length (nut to ribs): 132 mm. Gift of Philip Gordy, Casper, Wyoming, 2002.

Lit.: André P. Larson, "Recent Acquisitions," National Music Museum Newsletter 30, No. 1 (February 2003), p. 6.

NMM 1300.  Violin (mute), England, ca. 1850-1900.  Unlabelled.  Mute violin possibly constructed from remains of an early 19th-century English violin, whose scroll, neck, tailpiece, and ebony peg were recycled to create the present instrument.  Body:  pine or spruce:  anchor-shaped outline with handrest for upper playing positions;  center hollowed;  flat back surface, arched top surface.  Head and neck:  plain maple;  taken from early 19th-century English violin.  Varnish:  uneven, dark brown stain;  red-brown varnish on scroll, overvarnished with dark brown stain.  Tailpiece:  ebony, early 19th-century;  tailgut passes through two holes drilled in face;  saddle carved rather than inlaid.  Pegs:  one ebony with convex head and small, flush bone eye, early 19th-century.  Back length:  352 mm.  Upper bout width:  93 mm.  Center bout width:  40 mm.  Lower bout width:  148 mm.  Height:  35-59  mm.  Stop length:  192 mm.  Vibrating string length:  335 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 134 mm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. 

Lit.: André P. Larson, Amadeus:  His Music and the Instruments of Eighteenth-century Vienna, exhibition catalog, Dahl Fine Arts Center, Rapid City, South Dakota, February 4-March 2, 1990 (Vermillion: Shrine to Music Museum, 1990), p. 25.

André P. Larson, "Black Hills Exhibit Smashing Success, Sets Record," Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 17, No. 3 (April 1990), pp. 3.

NMM  4870.  Violin, Germany, Bohemia, or Russia, ca. 1850-1900.  Handwritten paper label in black ink:  F. W. GUTMANN. / 10H. GEOROENSTADT.  Printed paper label, glued on to bass center bout rib:  F. W. Gutmann.  Printed red paper label in yellow ink with yellow border, visible through treble f-hole:  Musikhaus / Gerhard Strasshausen [yellow double line] /  Berl.-Charlottenburg / Wilmersdorferstr. 14 / Telf. Wilhelm 2831. "Russian" model.  Body:  Guitar-shaped with curved ribs.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, fine grain;  edges tapered and flush with ribs.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut maple, with prominent, narrow curl, ascending from treble to bass;  edges tapered and flush with ribs.  Ribs:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple, narrow curl;  first bent to guitar-shape and linings added, then carved to a curved shape on the inside and outside.  Head and neck:  maple with faint, narrow curl.  Pegbox and scroll:  edges rounded;  reeded rather than fluted, with central ridge.  Varnish:  medium brown.  F-holes:  inside edges stained black;  slightly undercut;  tips of f-hole wings almost touch top and bottom of f-hole openings.  Linings:  spruce.  Two holes drilled into the bottom block underneath position of the saddle.  Body length:  355 mm.  Upper bout body width:  163 mm.  Center bout body width:  105 mm.  Lower bout body width:  205 mm.  Back length:  351 mm.  Upper bout back width:  157 mm.  Center bout back width:  100 mm.  Lower bout body width:  202 mm.  Rib height:  19  mm.  Stop length:  189 mm.  Vibrating string length:  323 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 129 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989.  

NMM 3421.  Violin (miniature) by George Gemünder, New York City, 1855. Black ink inscription on inside of back:  Geo. Geműnder / New-York 1855.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, fine grain.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, ascending from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl;  bottom ribs divided by standard-size purfling strip.  Head and neck:  maple, narrow curl;  scroll and pegbox edges chamfered and stained black.  Purfling:  ebony and maple;  proportionate.  Varnish:  medium orange-red;  artificial antiquing comprised of chipping and realistic wear patterns.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Tailpiece:  ebony;  decoratively molded saddle carved rather than inlaid;  molded decoration below string holes.  Tailgut:  plain gut.  Pegs:  ebony.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  ebony.  Linings:  wood, set into corner blocks.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Total violin length:  245 mm.  Back length:  150 mm.  Upper bout width:  70 mm.  Center bout width:  46 mm.  Lower bout width:  86 mm.  Rib height:  12-13 mm.  Stop length:  80 mm.  Vibrating string length:  135 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 55 mm. Ex coll.:  Samuel Luthier Rosenthal, New York.  Witten-Rawlins Collection, 1984.

NMM 3497.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1860-1890.  Unlabelled.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks;  grain converging at center joint in upper bout.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending slightly from center joint;  maple dowel through button into neck heel;  filled dowel holes through back into top block on bass side of center joint, and into bottom block on treble side of center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl.  Head and neck:  maple, narrow curl;  inside of pegbox stained black.  Varnish:  uneven, medium red-brown;  artificial antiquing on back and ribs comprised of scratches and dents under the varnish;  bubbling from heat exposure.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Pegs:  four ebony, two matching, and one (A peg) with brass thumb screw in end of ferrule to secure string end in hole.  Saddle:  ebony;  extends into top portion of rib.  Endpin:  ebony.  F-holes:  inside edges stained black.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce. Back length:  361 mm.  Upper bout width:  166 mm.  Center bout width:  110 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  31-33 mm.  Stop length:  196 mm.  Vibrating string length:  333 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 135 mm.  Ex coll.:  Elmer Disch, Sioux City, Iowa.  Gift of Lillian M. Disch, Sioux City, 1984.

NMM 3859.  Violin, Saxony and United States, ca. 1860-1890.  Unlabelled.  Composite violin with Saxon back, ribs, and neck, and American top.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut pine, fine grain;  filled pitch pockets near center joint in center bout, treble side.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut plain maple, with knot and a broad curl in upper bout;  small, short button;  nail hole through button into neck heel, nail now missing;  filled dowel hole through back at neck heel, does not enter neck heel;  two filled dowel holes through back into bottom block.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Purfling:  scratched, black-ink-filled double lines on top;  inlaid on back.  Varnish:  light yellow-orange on top;  dark brown on back and ribs;  dark red-brown with slight craquelure on scroll;  only scroll varnish is original to Saxon portion of violin.  Pegs:  three black-stained, light hardwood;  one dark, tropical hardwood.  Saddle:  missing;  original was set into top.  Endpin:  black-stained pearwood with mother-of-pearl eye.  F-holes:  rounded upper and lower wings;  inside edges stained dark brown.  Linings:  spruce;  wide.  Corner blocks:  spruce, hollow lower corner blocks;  no upper corner blocks.  Top block:  spruce;  rectangular with curved inner face and slightly rounded corners.  Bassbar:  tall, rectangular;  glued at angle to top grain, the lower-bout end further from the center line than the upper-bout end.  Saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  359 mm.  Upper bout width:  165 mm.  Center bout width:  106 mm.  Lower bout width:  206 mm.  Rib height:  28-29 mm.  Stop length:  193 mm.  Vibrating string length:  331 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 134 mm. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

NMM 4861.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1860-1890.  Printed paper label:  Von Frid. Aug. Glass verfertigt nach / Antonius Stradiuarius Fils, / Cremona 1737.   Commercial violin with square shoulders, long corners, and very full arching.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with faint, narrow, horizontal curl.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Arching:  high, full arching on top;  full arching on back.  Purfling:  very narrow on back.  Varnish:  dark brown on body; revarnished;  medium brown on scroll.  Endpin:  black-stained maple.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce;  hollow lower corner blocks;  newer upper corner blocks.  Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  353 mm.  Upper bout width:  164 mm.  Center bout width:  103 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  27-29 mm.  Stop length:  195 mm.  Vibrating string length:  323 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 131 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 4851.  Violin, Italy or Germany, ca. 1860-1890.  Printed paper label with abstract floral border, the last two digits of year in black ink:  EMILIO CELANI / detto il-Turco / FECE IN ASCOLI PICENO / 1828.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with wide grain, widening toward the flanks.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with broad curl, descending from center joint;  wide grain converging at center joint in lower bout;  very narrow button.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple;  faint, narrow curl in upper bouts and bass center bout;  faint, medium curl in lower bouts and treble center bout.  Head and neck:  plain maple;  maple shim at neck heel, to change angle.  Varnish:  dark red-brown.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  353 mm.  Upper bout width:  162 mm.  Center bout width:  108 mm.  Lower bout width:  204 mm.  Rib height:  30-32 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  330 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 136 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 4924.  Violin, Mittenwald, Bavaria, ca. 1860-1890.  Printed paper label, the last two digits of year written in black ink:  Mathias Neüner, Geigenma- / cher in Mittenwald.  1807 / Nro. 94.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with very faint, horizontal, broad curl.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple;  one-piece lower rib with scored marks at top and bottom indicating center position.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Varnish:  very dark brown, staining varnish;  shaded on top, back, and ribs.  Tailpiece:  ebony.  Tailgut:  steel wire.  Pegs:  four ebony;  evidence of prior machine heads.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  stained pearwood.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Chin wear to top on bass side of tailpiece.   Back length:  360 mm.  Upper bout width:  167 mm.  Center bout width:  111 mm.  Lower bout width:  210 mm.  Rib height:  30-32 mm.  Stop length:  197 mm.  Vibrating string length:  328 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 134 mm. Gift of Grace Beede Estate, Vermillion, 1990. 

NMM 5789.  Violin, Saxony, ca. 1860-1890.  Pencil inscription on inside of back, lower treble bout:  Repaired By C Morris / Elk Point / in 1903 / [single line] / and By Hammond / Sioux City / Ia / in 1921.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening to wide at the flanks;  knot at edge of treble center bout.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with faint, medium curl descending from center joint;  two later nails through button on each side of center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple;  corners chamfered on each side.  Head and neck:  plain maple;  ridge formed at intersection of rounded bottom edge and flat sides of pegbox.  Varnish:  medium red-orange.  Fingerboard:  ebony;  minimal curvature.  Nut:  ebony.  Tailpiece:  ebony;  decoratively molded saddle carved rather than inlaid;  decorative reeding and fluting below curved groove at bottom end;  scalloped bottom edge.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  black-stained pearwood.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce;  later.  Top block:  integral with neck;  wider at top;  bevelled;  spruce shims between top block and ribs.  Bottom block:  spruce;  shallow.  Burn marks on inside of ribs.  Back length:  360 mm.  Upper bout width:  165 mm.  Center bout width:  107 mm.  Lower bout width:  203 mm.  Rib height:  28-32 mm.  Stop length:  199 mm.  Vibrating string length:  322 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 126 mm. Gift of Ralph, George, Melvin, and Burdette Burrell, 1994,  in memory of their stepfather, Charles "Jude" Livingston, Elk Point, South Dakota.

NMM 4858.  Violin, United States, ca. 1860-1900.  Unlabelled.  Top:  one-piece, quarter-cut pine or fir, wide grain.  Back:  one-piece, semi-slab-cut plain maple;  two small nails through button.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple;  corners chamfered;  knot in lower bass rib.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Purfling:  incised and black-ink-filled double lines.  Varnish:  later dark brown bitumen;  thickly applied.  Pegs:  evidence of machine heads, now removed.  Saddle:  black-stained hardwood;  separate, protruding, black-stained hardwood extension with rounded edges affixed to top portion of rib surface.  Endpin:  ash.  Linings:  pine or spruce.  Corner blocks:  willow;  later.  Top and bottom blocks:  willow;  later.  Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  359 mm.  Upper bout width:  171 mm.  Center bout width:  114 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  31-33 mm.  Stop length:  199 mm.  Vibrating string length:  334 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 133 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989.

NMM 3906.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1890.  Handwritten paper label in black ink, stained brown, with cut corners:  Gaspard dieffopru-gard / in Bonamilio Anno. 1620.   Incised into ribs in large block letters, painted black:  upper bass rib:  VIVA FVI;  center bass rib:  ╪;  lower bass rib:  IVI SYLVIS DEO;  lower treble rib:  VI MORT VA;  center treble rib:  ╪;  upper treble rib:  DUL CE ╪.  Decorated in style of Honoré Derazey.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, fine grain.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with faint, very narrow curl, ascending from center joint;  spruce cleats along center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple;  rib corners chamfered.  Head and neck:  maple with very faint, narrow curl;  pegbox terminates in carved head of elderly, bearded man;  back of pegbox flat, incised with vine design into which silver leaf has been applied under the varnish;  back edges of pegbox rounded;  decorative cutouts on back of pegbox;  A and D, E and G pegs grouped closely together.  Purfling:  double;  inner band follows outline of marquetry decoration on back.  Decoration:  maple foliate heart appliqué on upper back, below button;  butternut, walnut, ash, burn-shaded cherry, burn-shaded boxwood, mahogany, and ebony marquetry scene of a castle on lower back, surrounded by purfling following the three-lobed shape of the marquetry, with central pointed arch.  Varnish:  medium red-brown;  shaded on upper and lower bouts of top, over marquetry decoration on back, and on ribs.  Fingerboard:  open-pored ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Tailpiece:  rosewood;  saddle does not fully extend to edges.  Pegs:  boxwood with ebony eyes;  deeply concave heads with rounded outer edge.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  ebonite;  wide collar underneath tailgut groove;  molded lettering:  PAT. NOV. 10. 1885.  F-holes:  long f-holes;  very narrow upper and lower wings;  notches not offset;  inside edges stained black.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks: spruce.  Bassbar:  shallow height.  Toothed plane marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  359 mm.  Upper bout width:  165 mm.  Center bout width:  109 mm.  Lower bout width:  209 mm.  Rib height:  28-30 mm.  Stop length:  188 mm.  Vibrating string length:  320 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 131 mm. Gift of Domenick J. Coppola, Hollywood, Florida, 1985. 

NMM 4859.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1890.  Printed on paper label with single line border, the last two digits of year written in black ink:  Louis Joseph Germain Luthier / A Paris, Année 1866 [LJG monogram with cross in circular double-line border].  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain, broadening toward the flanks.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple with very faint, medium curl;  rib corners chamfered.  Head and neck:  plain maple;  maple shim at neck heel under original varnish;  inside of pegbox stained black.  Edging:  deeply scooped inside top edging.  Varnish:  medium red-brown;  artificial antiquing comprised of scratches under varnish on back and ribs and painted soundpost crack on back.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  F-holes:  lower wings channeled.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce, hollow lower corner blocks;  no upper corner blocks.  Back length:  358 mm.  Upper bout width:  168 mm.  Center bout width:  110 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  30-31 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  325 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 131 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 10080.  Violin,  Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1890.  Handwritten paper label in black ink, with torn edges: Giov. Baptista Ruggeri / in Brescia 1645.  Printed paper repair label, the year written in black ink:  Repaired by / Joseph H. Channot / Lutgate hill.  London, E. C. / 1896.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain at center joint, medium grain toward the flanks.  Back:  one piece, quarter-cut, plain maple;  two dowels or nails through back into top block, spaced 11 mm apart;  one dowel or nail through back into bottom block.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple.  Head and neck:  maple with faint, medium curl.  Varnish:  red;  shaded;  prominent craquelure;  blacking added to varnish to simulate dirt accumulation;  artificial antiquing comprised of scratches, dents, and simulated cracks on top, back, and ribs.  Fingerboard:  ebony;  u-shaped end, with rounded bottom edge;  non-original.  F-holes:  inside edges stained black;  bottom eyes slightly undercut.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce;  later.  Inside of body stained brown.  Back length:  363 mm.  Upper bout width:  168 mm.  Center bout width:  113 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  29-30 mm.  Stop length:  197 mm.  Vibrating string length:  330 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 133 mm. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989. 

NMM 3510.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1900.  Printed paper label with torn edges, the last two digits of year written in black ink and obliterated to simulate age:  Antonius & Hieronymus Fr. Amati / Cremonen Andrex fil F 16.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with medium grain, broadening to very wide at the flanks.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut maple with very faint, medium, horizontal curl;  two filled dowel holes through back into top block, spaced 20 mm apart;  two filled dowel holes through back into bottom block, spaced 16 mm apart.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple with faint, narrow curl, angled to right on bass side, angled to left on treble side;  rib corners chamfered.  Head and neck:  maple with very faint, narrow curl.  Purfling:  very thin center strip between two wider stained-hardwood strips.  Varnish:  dark red-brown;  deep craquelure in places with heavy deposits;  artificial antiquing comprised of wear and chipping, dents and scratches under varnish, black-ink-filled fake cracks on top, back and ribs, and blacking at top center bout and back center bout edges.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Tailpiece:  black-varnished ebony;  inlaid mother-of-pearl flowers (three) and leaves (two) etched with red-and-green-painted detail, with mother-of-pearl rings set in black mastic at the centers of the flowers, and three inlaid nickel-silver stems;  inlaid mother-of-pearl eye at lower end;  nickel-plated brass saddle does not fully extend to edges.  Pegs:  four ebony;  ring-shaped depressions on pegbox indicate former presence of tension pegs.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  ebony;  mother-of-pearl eye.  F-holes:  significantly wider at notches;  inside edges stained black.  Linings:  spruce;  continue over corner blocks.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Inside of body stained dark brown.  Circular saw marks visible on inside and outside of ribs.  Back length:  350 mm.  Upper bout width:  167 mm.  Center bout width:  109 mm.  Lower bout width:  210 mm.  Rib height:  29-31 mm.  Stop length:  199 mm.  Vibrating string length:  332 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 129 mm.  Ex coll.:  Elmer Disch, Sioux City, Iowa.  Gift of Lillian M. Disch, Sioux City, 1984. 

NMM  5582.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1900.  Printed paper label, the surface abraded to simulate wear, the last two digits of year written in black ink:  Gaspar da Salo in Brescia / 1580 .  Pencil inscription on inside of lower treble rib:  31.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce with fine grain on treble side, and wide grain on bass side;  central maple dowel through top into top block, around which inner purfling strip curves.  Back:  two-piece, quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, descending slightly from center joint.  Ribs:  quarter-cut maple, narrow curl.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Purfling:  double purfling;  very thin, stained-hardwood outer strips.  Decoration:  three concentric, six-pointed stars of inlaid purfling at center of back, enclosing six-petal flower of inlaid purfling, with missing center.  Varnish:  later, medium yellow-orange with prominent craquelure;  evidence of original dark varnish.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Pegs:  three black-stained rosewood;  one ebony.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  ebony;  rectangular with bevelled edges.  F-holes:  significantly wider at notches.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce lower corner blocks;  no upper corner blocks.  Top block:  integral with neck;  wider at top;  chamfered corners;  spruce shims between top block and ribs.  Bottom block:  spruce;  faceted corners;  grain runs parallel to top and back.  Bassbar:  short, narrow, shallow bassbar carved from top.  Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Back length:  368 mm.  Upper bout width:  169 mm.  Center bout width:  112 mm.  Lower bout width:  208 mm.  Rib height:  30-31 mm.  Stop length:  195 mm.  Vibrating string length:  327 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 138 mm.  Gift of Mrs. Harry C. Helm, Columbia, Tennessee, 1993. 

NMM 10085.  Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1900.  Printed paper label:  Joh. Bap. Schweitzer / fecit at formam / Hieronymus Amati Pestini 181.  Pencil inscription on bass center rib:  1970 / S G N from Lowenberg.  Pencil inscription on base of neck under position of fingerboard:  S G N.  Top and back marked out in pencil for regraduation or graduation study with contours and thicknesses.  Top:  two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain.  Back:  one-piece, quarter-cut, plain maple with wide grain;  one filled dowel hole above top block;  two filled dowel holes above bottom block, at edge of purfling.  Ribs:  quarter-cut, plain maple.  Head and neck: plain maple;  imitation neck graft;  inside of pegbox stained black.  Purfling: close to edges. Varnish:  golden-brown;  artificial antiquing comprised of scratching, cracks, and blacking.  F-holes:  inside edges stained black.  Linings:  spruce.  Corner blocks:  spruce.  Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs.  Inside of top and back marked out for regraduation or study, but no alternations started.  Back length:  359 mm.  Upper bout width:  163 mm.  Center bout width:  107 mm.  Lower bout width:  199 mm.  Rib height:  28 mm.  Stop length:  195 mm.  Vibrating string length:  329 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 133 mm. Possibly marked for regraduation or study by Stanley G. Newton, Ottumwa, Iowa.  Arne B. Larson Estate, 1989.

NMM 4130.  Violin (mute), Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1870-1910.  Unlabelled.  Body:  cornerless, guitar-shaped, hollowed frame outline cut from one piece of plain maple, cut off-the-quarter, with separate, arched, semi-slab-cut maple brace set into top at bridge position;  edges of body rounded;  inside cutout is further from edge at neck joint, endpin, and chinrest position;  underside of body is concave where top side extends inward at chinrest position;  separate maple chinrest glued to top.  Head and neck:  plain maple.  Decoration:  abstract double leaf carved in relief below back button.  Varnish:  light brown.  Fingerboard:  ebony.  Nut:  ebony.  Tailpiece:  ebony.  Pegs:  four rosewood.  Saddle:  ebony.  Endpin:  ebony.  Toothed scraper and file marks visible on inside and outside edges of body.  Back length:  354 mm.  Upper bout width:  166 mm.  Center bout width:  107 mm.  Lower bout width:  107 mm.  Rib height:  21-22 mm.  Stop length:  194 mm.  Vibrating string length:  322 mm.  Original neck length (nut to ribs): 129 mm. Gift of  William E. Gribbon, Greenfield, Massachusetts, 1987. 

Lit.: André P. Larson, Amadeus:  His Music and the Instruments of Eighteenth-century Vienna, exhibition catalog, Dahl Fine Arts Center, Rapid City, South Dakota, February 4-March 2, 1990 (Vermillion: Shrine to Music Museum, 1990), p. 25.

André P. Larson, "Black Hills Exhibit Smashing Success, Sets Record," Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 17, No. 3 (April 1990), pp. 3.

NMM 4206. Violin, Markneukirchen and/or Schönbach (Luby), ca. 1871-1900. Printed paper label, the name in fancy gothic lettering, the last two digits of year, and last line of text handwritten in black ink: Joh. Bapt. Schweitzer, fecit at forman / Hieronymi Amati Pestini / 1842 / made in Germany. Brand on back, below button, over varnish: Schweitzer. Top: two-piece, quarter-cut spruce, wide grain. Back: two-piece maple cut off-the-quarter, with narrow, horizontal curl; small button. Ribs: quarter-cut maple with narrow curl, angled slightly to left; corners slightly chamfered. Head and neck: plain maple; inside of pegbox stained black. Arching: full arching rises abruptly at edge and flattens out at center. Varnish: dark brown, staining varnish; shaded; varnish removed from edges of body. Fingerboard: black-stained, dark tropical hardwood. Nut: ebony. Pegs: four ebony; later; evidence of prior machine heads. Saddle: ebony; wide. Endpin: ebony with off-center mother-of-pearl eye; turned groove around edge. F-holes: undercut; inside edges stained black. Linings: spruce. Corner blocks: spruce lower corner blocks; no upper corner blocks. Bottom block: spruce; roughly finished. Bassbar: carved from top; narrow; short; low height; triangular cross-section. Inside of body stained brown, including label. Circular saw marks visible on inside of ribs. White string tied to sound post, extending out of f-holes; wear to top on bass side of tailpiece. Back length: 354 mm. Upper bout width: 164 mm. Center bout width: 104 mm. Lower bout width: 202 mm. Rib height: 31-32 mm. Stop length: 197 mm. Vibrating string length: 329 mm. Gift of Thomas M. Engeman, Sibley, Iowa, 1988.