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92:

A VIOLIN BY CARLO GIUSEPPE TESTORE, MILAN, c. 1710 ‡

92: A VIOLIN BY CARLO GIUSEPPE TESTORE, MILAN, c. 1710 ‡


Labeled, "In our opinion this instrument is a work of Carlo Giuseppe Testore ca. 1725. William Lewis and Son Chicago, Illinois." Inscribed to the label, "7875."

The back purfled later, and inlaid with ebony adjacent to the centre joint. Also inlaid to the lower back, "I. H.". The scroll later. 

LOB: 35.4 cm

Carlo Giuseppe is widely recognised as the finest maker of the Testore family, and this violin, made in circa 1710, exemplifies his exceptional talent and style. It features soundholes set at an angle and an attractive reddish-golden brown varnish. The instrument was originally made with the back unpurfled, as was common in Testore family instruments. Renowned among musicians for their rich tone and ease of handling, Testore violins are versatile and suited to a wide range of repertoire. This finely proportioned example is in good overall condition and reflects the maker’s distinctive style.
  • Proforma Certificate: Jason Price, New York, NY (Mar 13 2026)
  • Dendrochronology report: Sondre Lie, Oslo (Feb 17 2026) This item underwent dendrochronology testing. No result was found.
  • Letter certificate: William Lewis & Son (photocopy), Chicago, IL (Jul 22 1970)

View Documents


Ending on Mar 30 at
2:59 PM London / 3:59 PM Berlin / 9:59 AM New York

Estimate: £50,000–80,000

Bidding opens Mar 19, 2026 11:00 AM GMT

★ WATCH ITEM

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VAT symbols on Description:

Ω - TI - non-antique - additional 20% import VAT and 2% duty charged on the hammer
‡ - TI - antique - additional 5% import VAT charged on the hammer
† - Normal VAT rules - 20% VAT charged on hammer and premium
No Symbol - Auctioneer's Margin Scheme - 20% VAT-in-lieu charged on the premium (except when exported within 3 months)

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