The Overactive Musician and his scattered thoughts

missspite:

undeadaffairs:

graveyarddirt:

Victorian Mute Skeleton Violin

Its a full size 4/4 Violin.

The bow and case included but have no idea if they are of he same date I have a feeling the case may be as old but not sure about the bow its set with silver and mother of pearl, there is no makers name on the bow but it is of a a very high quality. I offer a full lifetime money back to guarentee the violin is at the very least 120 years old and is exactly as described.

Its a truely fabulous old violin that will take pride of place in any collection, I have put new strings on since these photos were taken it sounds amazing only a highly skilled violin maker could have possibly carved this fine work of art so intricately ensuring all the joints fitted tight as a nut and a lot of knowledge and skill has gone into the type of wood to be used for each part the flat board forming the main base has a great acoustic effect and the ribs seem to rebound the sound when played. Each rib is attached by a old hand made screw. Im trying to find out what wood has been used for the ribs as its very strong yet carries the sound of the strings though the wood Im not sure calling it a mute violin is the best way to describe it as It has a great tone.

I have done a huge amount of research into this since it came into my hands cannot find another like it in the world. I can find no makers mark on the violin however I feel if there are specialists out there seeing this they may be able to tell by the quality of the carving and the style of the script whom the maker may be.

Ive sold many many cool antique skulls and devils on ebay from my personal collection over the years this however has got to be the best and rarest item ive ever owned. Ive been quite fair with my date of 1860 -1880 would think it dates closer to 1860 due to the ancient patina of the wood and the style of the skulls carving.

During my research of the mute violin I found a great website by the National Music Museum stating “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s father, Leopold (1719-1787), described similar such “practice violins” in his famous violin tutor, A Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing, first published in Augsburg in 1756, the year that Wolfgang was born” http://orgs.usd.edu/nmm/Violins/1850-1899/muteviolins.html

Heres what I have found out about the woods that have been used ” the main neck and skull are most likely Birch wood the fret board is Rosewood the main body and is beech and a ash spring board. The pegs seem to be fruit wood and the ribs are birch also. The small guide for the strings is ebony as is the section the strings fit into.

It is exactly two foot long 24 inches by 8 inches wide and the lower section where the chin rest is. I have translated the old German script on it as best I can it is as follows ” Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” you will see from the photos that part of the skulls cheekbone has indeed returned to dust : it was that way when i bought it I dont have the part thats missing Im sure it could be restored but personally would leave it alone the eye socket is intact and it in no way detects from this fine work of art.

(Description, photo and item via Ebay)

| Lo quiero. Ya.

Interesting design.