The Benardel family of violin makers is perhaps the most important and influential in the history of French violin making. Auguste Sebastien Philippe was the founder of the Bernardel dynasty and considered the most important member of the family and one of the greatest of all the Parisian makers. He began his studies in his native Mirecourt. He joined the great Nicolas Lupot (the greatest of all French luthiers) in Paris in 1815 where he continued until 1824. He worked briefly with Gand before opening his own shop in the Rue Croix des Petits Champs where J.B. Vuilaume had already set up his own establishment. He was joined by his sons Ernest and Gustave and continued until his retirement in 1866. This fine and interesting cello bears the makers signature and the date in several places internally.