Notes:

"As a specimen, and from the dealer's point of view, the smaller fiddle is unquestionably of higher market value. It may be said to be typical in every detail, and anyone but the veriest tyro could proclaim its authorship at a glance. The plate gives a very good idea of the appearance of the belly ; the back is a whole one, handsomely figured ; the varnish a fine red, which would I suppose be described as " plum colour." It measures 6 1/2 inches full across the upper bouts, and 8 1/16th across the lower ones. The sides run from 1 1/8th to 1 3/16ths inches. Of its tone I have already spoken ; it is altogether charming, and there is no need here to lavish superlatives upon it."

Joseph Guarneri (del Gesu), Towry Piper, The Strad, 1922, London