This violin is in impeccable condition and unusually well-toned, original in all parts and varnish. This is an exceptionally fine example of this important French maker's work from the period when he was still working in Lyon and before he established himself in Paris.

It is sold with a 1968 certificate of authenticity by the Hamma Studio in Stuttgart.

Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre (1845-1913) was nephew of the important French luthier, Pierre Silvestre, to whom he was apprenticed in Lyon, France, and whom he succeeded in 1865, when barely 20 years old. This violin's label indicates that it was made in Lyon. Since Silvestre moved to Paris in 1884, it can be assumed that this violin dates from 1884 or before.

H. C. Silvestre received exhibition medals in Vienna and Paris. William Henley says of him: 'Master craftsman in his modelling of the Stradivarius and Guarnerius. Reddish brown varnish of Italian suppleness, plentifully applied and very transparent. Every detail splendidly wrought. Nearly always wide grain belly wood. Tonal quality of fine and responsive brilliancy.'

René Vannes adds this (from French): 'He is considered as one of the foremost representatives of contemporary Lorraine lutherie; he has obtained the highest national and international awards at various exhibitions. The workmanship in his instruments is of great tidiness and his varnish of great suppleness.'

In this violin the top is of fine medium to open grained spruce; the one-piece back is of beautifully flamed maple with an even straight horizontal curl, repeated in the ribs, neck and scroll. The varnish is reddish brown. The workmanship in this instrument is superb throughout.

This violin is exceptionally well-toned with a rich and full g-string and a clear powerful e-string, well-balanced over the full register and clean and responsive in very high positions. It is ideally suited for solo performance, speaking with ease.

Dimensions :
	Back length 35.7 cm; upper bout 16.6 cm; c-bout 10.8 cm; lower bout 20.4 cm.

Condition :
	Excellent. No repairs or cracks. Original in all parts and varnish.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :	Withheld
	H. C. Silvestre is considered an important French maker and this violin is an exceptionally fine example of his work.