4/4 violin labeled “Franciscus Geissenhof fecit. Viennæ Anno 1808,” in very good condition.
Our senior violin luthier examined this instrument and did some repairs (detailed below). In his opinion, this is most likely a well-made copy of a Geissendorf 1808, probably manufactured circa 1890-1920 in Austria or Germany. Authentic Geissendorfs usually have a "FG" brand mark stamp on the button; this one does not. Geissendorf is often celebrated as the "Viennese Stradivari."
It has a 2-piece back of tight, deep curl descending from center, and matching ribs. A neck graft was observed, as well as a lower bout top crack that was professionally repaired. The bass bar is newer and may have been replaced at the same time. Our luthier performed the following repairs:
- neck was removed, block repaired, reinforce button, neck reset
- top seams reglued at upper & lower blocks
- new soundpost
- new pegs
- endpin and chinrest replaced (Guarneri model ebony)
- Setup: surface fingerboard, clean/polish, Dominant strings
The instrument has a lush sound that projects well.
Fully insured shipping within the continental US is $150 via UPS, for all other locations please inquire.
