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Antonio Stradivari (violin) N.N. – 1695 ca.

This instrument appears to have been manufactured by Stradivari in the last years of the 17th century and it bears an original label that reads ‘Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 16--’, of which the last two figures have been handwritten and are hardly discernible. Therefore, according to the characteristics of the violin, a production date of circa 1695 has been generally agreed upon. The back of the instrument is made from one piece of maple wood cut on the slab and marked by broad and irregular curls which slant slightly downwards from the treble to the bass side. The ribs and the head are made from a wood similar to the one of the back but they are cut on the quarter and their flames are much more vivid and intense. The two-piece belly is made from spruce finely grained in the centre and opening towards the flanks where the grain is of medium width. The varnish is of an orange-red colour over a golden ground.

More information: Antonio Stradivari Set 1, Volume 1, Page 278