European, unlabelled violin, possibly English, 18th Century

This eighteenth century European violin has continued to intrigue us over the years. While the Stainer-inspired, soft contours and rounded shoulders hint at a Kloz-school influence, the painted purfling lines and hollowed pegbox walls point more to an English origin. The wood is well-selected, with a handsomely flamed maple back. The tone is lovely, with strength and warmth in the lower registers and an open, brilliant E-string. The violin comes with a good-quality GEWA case.