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Ifshin Rare & Fine Instruments

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Michael Darnton
22580

As a child, Michael started playing the cello but found that he was more interested in the instruments themselves than learning to play them. As a young man he was a professional photographer but soon started working at major violin shops in Chicago doing repairs and restorations, starting his career as a maker. He also worked with Tetsuo Matsuda and William Whedbee, perfecting his lutherie skills. In 2005, he joined forces with Stefan Hersh, forming Darnton & Hersh in downtown Chicago.

Michael Darnton
22579

As a child, Michael started playing the cello but found that he was more interested in the instruments themselves than learning to play them. As a young man he was a professional photographer but soon started working at major violin shops in Chicago doing repairs and restorations, starting his career as a maker. He also worked with Tetsuo Matsuda and William Whedbee, perfecting his lutherie skills. In 2005, he joined forces with Stefan Hersh, forming Darnton & Hersh in downtown Chicago.

Eduard Reichert
20710

Instruments labeled Eduard Reichert were made in Markneukirchen and Dresden. The G.A.Pfretzschner firm exported many of them to this country.

Labeled Carlo Micelli 1922
19582

In the 1920's a number of important workshops in Markneukirchen made excellent violins using Italian trade names. We especially like the Carlo Micelli violins for their excellent artistic quality.

Labeled J.Olry 1838
7585

Probably Mirecourt late 19th. Century

Neuner & Hornsteiner
23812

The firm of Neuner & Hornsteiner was begun at the beginning of the 19th century by Mathias Neuner and Cantius Hornsteiner, continuing through much of the 20th century.  By the latter 19th century it had grown to become one of the largest and most respected firms in Germany.

Francis Kuttner *SOLD*
7730

An interesting early work by Francis Kuttner who studied at the violin making school in Cremona.

Luigi Villa
7028

Pisano (near Milan). We have several examples by this maker. See more detailed information.

John Friedrich & Bros. *SOLD*
22944

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.

G. Gloede
21387

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
12094

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.

Theodor Berger
20517

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. 

J.N.Aschow *SOLD*
21339

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.

German
23065

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
22351

Heberlein workshop, labeled Friedrich August Heberlein, Markneukirchen

Rudolf Schuster
20814

Rudolph Schuster worked with master makers in Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin and Vienna (with Dr. Thomastik) before setting up his own shop in 1930.