At Dearing Violins Ltd, we invite you to delve into the world of rare musical treasures, where history and artistry intertwine to create harmonious masterpieces. Our curated collection of antique violins and bows transports you to an era of elegance and refinement, offering musicians an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the past while creating soul-stirring melodies for the present.
We work with a select group of educators and professionals globally, and are always looking for more working relationships, we would welcome anyone who wishes to get in touch.
Here at Dearing Violins Ltd, we hold the preservation of musical heritage close to our hearts. Our team of expert luthiers ensures that each antique violin and bow is restored with the utmost respect for its authenticity and integrity. We also provide comprehensive guidance on maintenance and care to ensure your instrument stands the test of time.
With a network of contacts that spans the globe, we ensure that musicians from every corner of the world have access to exceptional instruments and bows. Whether you’re in search of a masterfully aged violin from Europe or an innovative bow from Asia, our international presence ensures that you can explore a diverse range of options.
Unveil the true essence of your music with instruments that resonate on a profound level. Join us at Dearing Violins Ltd and embark on a journey of sonic exploration, artistic expression, and musical fulfilment.
With customers spanning the UK, India, China, Dubai, Japan, and the USA, Dearing Violins Ltd understands the diverse needs of musicians, educators and professionals across continents. We offer personalised consultations to guide you through our collection, ensuring you find an instrument that aligns with your artistic vision and technical requirements.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment, explore our collection, and experience the world of fine violins and bows like never before. Your masterpiece awaits.
Collin-Mézin is probably one of the best known names in the violin trade. Although the quality of the instruments went rather downhill in the 20th century, pre-1900 violins by Collin-Mézin Senior are very sought after, partly because they represent the zenith of French workmanship at that period and are renowned for their huge tonal projection qualities.
Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin was born at Mirecourt in 1841. He apprenticed under his father, C.L. Collin, and quickly became a skilled repairer and maker. In the early years of his career, he may have also worked at the Brussels workshop of Nicolas Francois Vuillaume. In 1886, he moved to Paris, where he became one of the century’s most important luthiers. His violins, violas, and cellos were played by many prominent musicians of the time who compared his work to that of the old masters it is said that Joseph joachim preferred playing his J.B Collin Mezin over his Stradivarius.
Collin-Mezin was an Officier de l’Académie des Beaux-Arts and won gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions in 1878, 1889, and 1900.
This early Strad copy has everything one looks for in a violin. The tone could only be described as magnificent.
L.O.B: 358 mm
Federico Fiora was born in 1972 and studied violin making in Cremona in 1990, under the guidance of masters Ezio Scarpini and Stefano Conia. He had his apprenticeship under the guidance of violin making master Gio Batta Morassi in a CEE workshop until 1993. In 1996, he opened his own workshop, currently situated in Cremona. Fiora draws inspiration for his instruments from the rich Cremonese tradition.
This violin is a model of Guarneri del Gesu’s 1742 Cannone violin.
L.O.B: 355 mm
It looks fantastic and sounds even better.
Another great English maker. He made a fair number of violins for the prestigious J&A Beares whose label those particular violins bear.
Apart from this, he didn’t label his work with his own name, often inserting fictitious labels or no label at all. The tone is top notch.
LOB: 354 mm
Fantastic condition
A fine violin by Thomas Earl Hesketh,1937
Labelled Fac-simile Joseph Guarnerius Del Gesu made by T. Earle Hesketh, Manchester No.84 1937
I have owned 6 Hesketh violins in a short period of 5 years. His best instruments are the Guarneri copies he made and finished himself in the 1930s.
Manchester’s own Ansaldo Poggi
LOB: 354 mm
Perfect condition
This Italian Neapolitan violin by Raffaele Calace is a full-blooded Italian Instrument with a warm, large, Italian sound dating back to 1895 its maker was a liutaio in every sense of the word, since the term describes someone who crafts both violins and lutes.
Like many other southern Italian ateliers, Raffaele Calace’s workshop had stayed in the family for over three generations and earned itself an outstanding reputation for its lutes and mandolins. Raffaele Calace himself won 11 gold medals and 8 silvers, in addition to numerous other awards for his instruments.
To this day, he remains a well-established figure in the world of plucked instruments, known as a virtuoso, composer and innovative designer of new kinds of mandolins, whereas the string instruments from his atelier are best known amongst a select group of well-informed aficionados– despite the fact that his clients included excellent musicians such as Fritz Kreisler.
The violin has a beautiful one piece back of quality highly flamed maple. The top of a fine-grained spruce and the scroll cut form maple. The luxurious oil varnish of a blood-red colour.
The tone is quite astonishing, lots of power, very responsive and easy to play yet still has a sweetness to the sound.
LOB: 359 mm
Lockey Hill was Joseph Hill’s fifth and most distinguished violin-making son. Lockey Hill (1756-1810) Stamped below the button Longman Lukey & Co. No.26 Cheapside, London.
We can say that the violin was made around 1775 give or take a year.
This is an extremely fine example with a single piece highly flamed slab cut maple back, the table made from one piece of medium grained spruce with the grain narrowing towards the right flank.
The scroll carved of flamed maple is particularly elegant and well cut. The varnish is a reddish brown colour over a golden ground.
The condition is rather amazing, with just two restored wing cracks.
The tone is movingly good. Extremely responsive and powerful.
LOB: 355 mm
Labelled Johann Gottlob Ficker Vilino,
Correlpontent Romani Cremona, 1798
Also branded I*G*F
This is a wonderful early ivory edged example from 1798.
It is 100 percent original, even down to the original base bar. Only J.G.F cut a base bar like this. (Different shape and dimensions)
Also, it has its original translation neck, again, unique to Mr Ficker and the same goes for the finger board shape and design.
I am also very fond of the upside down ivory pyramid shaped saddle. (A work of art in itself)
Apart from one very small restored wing crack, the violin is perfect.
My pictures definitely don’t do this violin justice.
See more information HERE
LOB: 357 mm
A fine German violin from Mittenwald. The violin is in really good condition with no major repairs.
Bearing a Mathias Albani label which is not uncommon for these finer Klotz Violins.
A glorious dark and rich tone. Once you pick it up you won’t stop playing it!
LOB: 354 mm
We are often fully booked in advance. Please make sure you book your appointment before visiting to avoid disappointment.
