James Hardie II
Violin maker
(1836 – 1916)
Grandson and pupil of Peter Hardie. Continued working as a schoolteacher until 1863, when he established his shop at 14 Marshall Street, Edinburgh. Then moved to 117 Nicholson Street in 1895, where he was assisted by his sons. Fine and prolific maker of more than 200 hand-made violins, violas, cellos, and basses on classical patterns, he also labelled and sold some 2, 000 imported trade instruments. Authentication can be problematic. Henley states that many of the cheaper Hardie violins were obtained by a man known as Cooke who sold them with false labels of Panormo, Fendt, and others. Copies of Hardie's work were also produced by later makers. Awarded gold medal at Edinburgh Exhibition 1890. Many violins made on a distinctive large Maggini model with double purfling. Dark orange varnish, some with a thicker crackled texture. Made by / James Hardie & Sons / Violin makers / Edinburgh 1891 James Hardie & Sons Makers / 117 Nicholson Street / Edinburgh.
Price History
- The auction record for this maker is $2,504 in Sep 2007, for a violin.
- 43 auction price results.
View all auction prices for James Hardie II
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