Certificates & Documents

• Certificate: W. E. Hill & Sons, London (1937)
• Letter: Alfred E. Hill, London (1937) "It belonged for some years to a well-known Parisian amateur -- M. Lecomte -- who, I believe, was a prominent member of the Paris Bourse. It was from him that I personally acquired it in the year 1895. The senior member of our firm, Mr. William Henry Hill, who possessed a Maggini viola, was captivated by this particular fiddle, and it passed into his hands. He played upon it for some forty years, in fact, until his death, since when it has remained in the hands of his widow. It is of the best type of Maggini's work -- less archaic than the earlier instruments; and its construction shows clearly the progress in violin making which was taking place at the beginning of the seventeenth century. We hope and trus that the climate of Hong Kong will in no way try this very interesting fiddle."

Cozio holds copies of many certificates and other documents, some of which are available to view on request. Please contact us if you wish to view a particular document. (Note that we do not always have permission to share documents.)

References

• Phillip's Important Musical Instruments Auction Catalog, November 19, 1996, London, Phillip's, Phillip's, London (illustrated)
• The Strad, December, 1935, London (illustrated)