Franz Geissenhof
Violin maker
(1753 – 1821)
Key founder of the 19th-century Viennese school. Geissenhof was born in Füssen (Allgäu) and moved to Vienna in 1772. He worked in Johann Georg Thir’s workshop as a journeyman and in 1781 took over his teacher’s business. His early instruments show Thir’s influence, although Geissenhof preferred a model with lower arching.
Around 1800 Geissenhof’s style changed noticeably: the outline, arching, shape of the f-holes and the scroll show the influence of Stradivari. Like most 18th-century Viennese makers Geissenhof used a dark, opaque varnish, but after 1800 he used a brighter, transparent varnish with reddish or light brown shadings.
His workmanship is meticulous. In addition to the printed label, Geissenhof applied his brand-mark 'FG' on the button of the back of most instruments.
Price History
- The auction record for this maker is $66,912 in Oct 2025, for a violin.
- 69 auction price results.
View all auction prices for Franz Geissenhof
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