Bohuslav Sixta , Praha 1919

Bohuslav Sixta was a self-taught violin maker born 1853 in Prague, quarter Karlín, died 1921 in Soběslav. He was a teacher in Kutná Hora, later in Soběslav. Though being an amateur, Sixta made a number of very nice violins for which he always found buyers. He first used his own labels but later in Soběslav he labelled the violins „Thomas Salteri, Modena 1821“. He always backdated the labels by 100 years (1821=1921).

This violin bares a label Antonio Curatoli 1895 which does not come from this violin. The name Antonio Curatoli was used in fine German factory made instruments around 1900 as a trade mark. The authorship is confirmed by the hand written signature and date inside on the lower ribs. He also wrote here “Živí, buďte hodni mrtvých!” (The living, be worthy of the dead.), probably in memory of the WW1. It is a beautiful violin in top condition and with a great sound.