Creation Date

circa 1786

Description

Violin: a) Black, leather case for a violin. In raised lettering on the metal in the front "O. Davidson."
Inside the box:
b-d) Three envelopes that say "Violin-State Dominant."
e) Business card "John H. Reed Violinmaker - Restorer/ (612) 388-5313/ 441 Pioneer Road/ Red Wing, MN 55066."
f) Envelope "Lifetime Guaranty "Sacconi Tail Adjuster/ Soft as Gut/ Ten Times Stronger." Adjustables inside.
g-i) ) "Violin E Silvered Steel." Circular piece of metal.
j) Bridge for violin.
k) Envelope that says "Guage 3/ National League of Musigians/ Specially Tested/ Violin D Strings/ "Warranted" Endorsed by the Profession."
l) String.
m) Black piece of plastic with flat end.
n) Wooden Violin. Location of violin is in Temporary Location.

06/13/2017 Description from previous inventory: "Violin and bow in a case. Had belonged to and was used by Margeurite Davidson's father, Oscar Davidson. It was brought in by Mr. and Mrs. Bruggeman. The date on the violin is 1786. Letter from John F. Reed: Attention Jean Chesley: I would like to make a few brief comments about the Danielson [sic] violin. I find this instrument to be historically interesting. It is my feeling that it may in fact be from the late 1700s as inscribed on the back of the instrument. Although the method used for extending the neck length is not a common as grafting the scroll to a new neck, the repair seemsan honest attempt to modernize the instrument as was done to most Baroque instruments in the early 1800s. The maker selected very nice wood for this instrument, however one of the ribs indicate replacement due to damage or the maker was having a bad day. I find the scroll of this instrument to [be] executed with skill and an eye for the delicate. The work on the body to my eye does not speak of the same skill (perhaps an apprentice did much of the body work.) The style of the instrument reminds me of the Amati school of instrument building which goes back to the mid 1500s. The tubbyness of the arches seem to indicate an influence of Jacobus Stainer who was a builder in the late 1600s. The health of this instrument is not very good. There has been much poor repair done to it; and it needs more expensive work to bring it back to life. I have basically done work to make it visually attractive for display purposes. I would recommend keepint the existing tension on the strings and no more. The instrument should display well without any further adjustments. For the sake of the instrument try to display it where people would feel comfortable. ex. 50% humidity (out of drafts or direct heat {temp around 70-80}). If you have any problems or questions please feel free to call Sincerely John Reed."