It is always a pleasure to find an older instrument in superb condition, as is the case with this violin labelled Léon Bernardel (1853 - 1931) and signed by that maker. A foremost French authority however has confirmed that this violin is not Bernardel's personal work, but rather from the studio of Couesnon & Co in Mirecourt, made around 1925.

As much as he was highly noted among French violin makers, Bernardel was also very business-minded. Apart from heading the sizeable Bernadel violin empire, based in Paris, he became one of the directors in 1914 of Couesnon & Co., a large firm dealing in high-end musical instruments. These instruments, which were destined for foreign markets, were almost exclusively French items sourced variously from studios in Mirecourt and elsewhere. The label in this violin is undated, but has Bernardel's signature on it, signalling his approval of the instrument. It can be assumed that it was made some time before that maker's death, hence a good guess would be around 1925. In dealing with this instrument two things must be understood: firstly, Bernardel did not make this violin, although he did lay down minimum requirements for it. Secondly, there was no violin maker by the name of Couesnon - it remains a generic name derived from the name of the exporting firm.

This violin clearly is French in workmanship and varnish and it can be said with confidence that it is a high-end instrument from a Mirecourt studio similar to that which also supplied to Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) and other large French businesses. Such instruments targeted the foreign markets of England and the USA, and elsewhere. Today these instruments are greatly respected and (along with similar German counterparts) are referred to as Good French Trade.

This violin is made of good materials - the two-piece back is of nicely figured maple of a straight medium to narrow curl. The same wood is used for the ribs, the neck and scroll. The top is of spruce of a narrow to medium grain. The varnish is an attractive light golden-brown over a yellow ground and contrived slightly to give the appearance of wear, particularly in the back, but all such 'wear' is deliberately and artificially induced. The arching is quite flat, contributing to a nice strong tone. The scroll is elegant, well-balanced and nicely cut.

This violin is well-toned with clarity and balance. It responds easily.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.8 cm

Condition :
	This violin is in pristine condition, completely free from repairs and cracks. It recently received a new set of rosewood pegs, a new nut and a completely fresh setup.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request