Charles Gaillard (?) , Paříž 1850-1860
A viola originating from the very successful Gand family circle from Paris, namely from Charles Adolphe Gand. It was probably made by his pupil Charles Gaillard or his brother Jules Gaillard-Lajoue between 1850-1860. The oldest member of the Gand family Charles Francois Gand pére was the successor of Nicolas Lupot.
The instrument is built after the Stradivari model. The workmanship is very accurate and elegant, corresponding with the high level of Parisian violin making at that time. The material is also very nice. The red-brown varnish is fully transparent and naturally worn off, though it could have been “aged” from the beginning, which was usual. The back is strengthened in the middle and the joint is secured with cleats. The belly has olny one little crack under the chinrest, otherwise is in pure condition.
The violin bares another French label
Charles Jacquot,
which is not authentic. Inside in the upper part of the belly is a reminder of a signature, that I am not able to read. However, it can only be a record of a repair.
Measurements (measured over arching):
Length of back 391 mm
Width of back 183 mm, 128 mm, 231 mm
Height of ribs 34 – 37 mm
Mensure 211 mm
String length 355 mm
Jungmannova 749/32
110 00, Praha 1
Česká republika