After training with several important makers in his native Germany, John Friedrich emigrated to New York in 1883, setting up his own shop with his brother William. He employed a number of highly skilled makers and went on to win a number of awards and medals for his instruments.
Although not much is known about this maker, Chicago was the home of many first class makers during the late 19th. and early to mid 20th. centuries.
Gustave Villaume was born in Mirecourt and studied with Mougenot and Jacquet Gand before going to Paris to work with Caressa & Français. After moving to Nancy, he won numerous awards for his work.
This excellent maker was born and began his training in St.Petersburg before moving to Markneukirchen in 1918. His work is very highly thought of.
John Aschow was one of top makers in the San Francisco area during the first part of the 20th century. The Aschow shop was continued until 1969 by his son. This violin is an excellent example of John Aschow's work.
This beautifully made German violin bears a facsimile Stradivarius label but is clearly very much in the style of the best work from the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop in Markneukirchen.
Heberlein workshop, labeled Friedrich August Heberlein, Markneukirchen
Rudolph Schuster worked with master makers in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin and Vienna (with Dr. Thomastik) before setting up his own shop in 1930.
Born in 1841, Jean Baptiste Coiln studied with his father in Mirtecourt before establishing his own workshop. He also worked for makers in Paris as well as Mirecourt. He made excellent quality in the style of Collin-Mezin as well J.B.Vuillaume.
Eugene John Albert emigrated to the U.S.A. from Germany as a child in 1855 with his father John. He worked with his father and took over the business in 1887. He became one of the most important American violin makers of the latter part of the 19th century.
The G.A.Pfretzschner firm made fine violins for a number of years during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This fine violin is an excellent example of the high quality of craftsmanship we always appreciate from this outstanding workshop.
Robert Glier trained in Markneukirchen and like so many talented German makers seeking better opportunities than they had in their home country, came to the USA in 1885. For years he worked for Rudolf Wurlitzer in Cincinnati, later establishing his own successful workshop.
The firm of Laberte-Humbert in Mirecourt was formed at the beginning of the 20th century by the important luthier Marc Laberte. This violin is an excellent example of the work of this important firm.
Robert Glier was born and trained in Markneukirchen, moving to Cincinnati in 1885. He first worked for Wurlitzer before establishing his own successful shop.
Anders Halverson emigrated from Sweden to Chicago in 1924 to work for Lewis & Son, then moved to Nashville, Michigan two years later. He established a shop with William Meyers which became popular with musicians across the Midwest.