Up for auction is this quality set of a violin, a case and a bow.  and, not just any violin, case and bow.  This is an antique violin with a paper Guarnarius label, a high quality fitted violin case of Rosewood veneer and the Gustave Bernardel stamped bow.  These items have been together as a "set" for at least 100 years and in the same family.  Each will be discussed below.

The VIOLIN....it is a beautiful and very old.  The current owner remembers a late 20th century evaluation which indicated that the violin was probably 200 years old and that the label was a faux Guarnerius label.  However, the recent opinion of the author of the only book ever written on violin cases, "The Art and History of Violin Cases", which was privately discussed is that this may be a French violin from the same era of the case.  He stated that labels count for little in the violin world and that more than likely, a very high quality instrument would have been paired with this case and vica versa.  And felt that the Bernardel bow pairs well with the possibility of this theory.

The violin is made of select and gorgeous wood grains with hand carved scroll and f-holes and fabulous what could easily be original patina.  It measures 23 1/2" while the width at widest is 8".  Body length is 14".

It weighs 447 grams.

Overall, the instrument seems to be in very nice condition.  It was literally played until it was stored away.  There is currently only has one string attached.  The bridge is in the case as well as some very old packs of extra strings and a few other miscellaneous items.

The VIOLIN CASE is one of the nicest antique fancy cases around...very high end in its day.  It is quality rosewood veneer with lot of delicate stringing inlays around every edge.  The hinges are spring loaded and the Germans apparently had the patent on these hinges although Mr. Glenn Wood determined that this is definitely a French case with a classic French fit interior.  Per Mr. Wood, "the stringing inlay and the exaggerated hinges were all extra touches intended to add luxury and cost.  Such a case would have never been paired with a cheap violin.  It is of a type that could have been retailed by Maison Bernardel in Paris or even Gand and Bernardel a little later after they merged."  He also described the material used for the handles and hinges as "German silver" or maichort in France which would be varnished to look like gold.  This was a great innovation of the time period and greatly added to the value. 

The case is 30 1/2" long and the with is 9 3/4' while the height is approx. 5 1/2".  It is in excellent condition with only a small piece of veneer missing from the rear at the bottom of the case.

The BOW is stamped Gustave Bernardel on its octagonal shaft.  He had become the sole owner of Gand and Bernardel Freres in 1892 until 1901.  This bow could have easily been made by Claude AugustThomassin as his bows during his earlier career at Bernardel were stamped Gustave Bernardel.  1901 is when Thomassin established his own business in Paris where he produced a vast output of bows branded with his name.

The bow is in need of some restoration.  It is made of beautiful exotic wood with original leather and silver wire winding.  It is sterling silver mounted with an ebony frog and abalone inlay.  It is 29 5/16" or 74.5 cm and weighs 57.5 grams.

I will also include 1 original container of Bernardel violin rosin.

This is a fabulous opportunity for some on the scarcer violin item and a special violin!  

I have tons of photos so please ask if there is something that you want to see.

Another fantastic item from the estate of Georgina Pope Yeatman, it was the violin that she was privileged to own her entire life.

Provenance From the estate of Georgina Pope Yeatman

Georgina Yeatman (1902-1982) was a remarkable and trailblazing woman of the 20th century.

She was the daughter of prominent mining engineer, Pope Yeatman and was born in Ardsley, NY.

She was awarded her Bachelor's degree in Architecture from MIT in 1925.

She began her career with Bissell & Sinkler and, at the time, was one of only 4 women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania licensed as architects. Ms. Yeatman was the first woman to serve as the city of Philadelphia's Director of Architecture.

Georgina Yeatman also had interests in aviation training, philanthropy, horses and nature conservation.

If you have any questions, please let me know through nifferlee at att dot net or through Ebay.