Notes:

"What makes this viola even more unusual is the double break in the back; although the back is carved like a conventional viola, it has a viol-like declivity in both upper and lower bouts. This construction, as far as I know, is unique to 18th centurv English violas. It was presumably done for the comfort of the plaver, to encourage him to tuck it under his chin (although the ribs are not especially deep in the 'C bouts). The extraordinarilv long/-holes and short lower bouts might indicate that the instrument has been reduced in size, but this is not the case."

The paragon of Parker's violas, John Dilworth, The Strad, February, 1994, London