Description
Early 19th-Century 1/2 Size Maggini Violin Handcrafted w/ Double Purfling
Rare Antique Fractional Violin – Ready to Play
Up for sale is a rare and beautifully preserved 1/2 size Maggini-model violin, hand-built in a European workshop circa 1820–1850. This is not a factory trade violin, but a genuinely old, artisan-crafted instrument with several features that distinguish it from later 19th- or 20th-century mass-produced student models.
This violin includes:
- Two-piece spruce top and two-piece flamed maple back
- Hand-cleaved linings and visible tool marks inside — clear signs of traditional workshop construction
- Double purfling on front and back, in the Maggini style
- Pegbox grafting, typical for older instruments of this period
- Deep, asymmetric scroll carving and aged varnish with natural patina
- Traditional facsimile label: Giovan Paolo Maggini / Brescia 1625
This violin is not a mass-produced trade model from the late 1800s, but likely an earlier handmade instrument crafted for a young player in a wealthy family or academic setting. Instruments of this size, style, and era are extremely scarce on the market — especially in playable condition.
The violin is in very good condition for its age. The varnish is all original. There is some surface wear commensurate with its age. There is small repair on the side rib of the bass-side upper bout. The pegbox has some grafting and repairs around the peg holes.
It has new strings, bridge and sound post.
Ships securely and safely. Reasonable offers considered.
Please inquire with any questions.
Violin only (no case or bow).
