William Prior

Violin maker
(1690 – 1759)

Established in 1723 at 'the sign of the Musical Instrument Maker in the Side, Newcastle-upon-Tyne', early labels spelled his name as `Pryor', but all records and labels after around 1720 referred to him as 'Prior'. He was recorded as the Assay Master in the city and was also a wood turner and maker of false teeth. In 1756, his shop and its contents were put up for sale. Several violins and one contralto-sized ...Read More viola still exist. They were made in the typical early English style with a 'through-neck', lacking a separate top block, and featuring a bass bar carved integrally with the front. The workmanship was very fine, with medium arching that was very well regulated. The edgework was excellent, showcasing prominent corners and precise purfling mitres. The soundholes were finely cut, elegant, long, and sloping. The head was rather compact, yet it had neat concentric volutes and a small eye. The varnish was of very fine quality and consistency, with a golden orange color. Read Less

Price History

- The auction record for this maker is $10,167 in Mar 2023, for a violin.
- 3 auction price results.

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