The Moennig Collection features a number of historical instruments: viola da gambas, inventive violins, hurdy-gurdies, a balalaika and so forth. Among the most interesting of these are two fine Neapolitan viola d’amores, the first by Ferdinand Gagliano, the second by Vincenzo Sannino.
The Ferdinand Gagliano d’Amore is about as pristine as an 18th century instrument can get. The golden brown varnish is nearly undisturbed through most of the instrument; the pegs, fingerboard and tailpiece are almost certainly the original; and the label is pristine and and untouched. The only apparent modification was the replacement of the plate covering the string terminus at the lower block which was done by William Moennig III. This instrument was featured in the 2006 AFVBM exhibit of Neapolitan violinmakers.
The Vincenzo Sannino d’Amore is a fine example of this maker at his most fanciful. The varnish is a vibrant orange red; the head features three separate “scrolls” as the pegbox winds into the volute. The fittings are original and the condition is mint with the exception of an open seam or two.
[...] A large collection of unusual and historical instruments [...]