Pierre & Hippolyte Silvestre Violin, Lyon, circa 1840

A fine French violin by Pierre and Hippolyte Silvestre, made in Lyon circa 1840 and bearing their original label dated 1839, No. 186.

The brothers Pierre and Hippolyte Silvestre were among the most distinguished French violin makers working outside Paris during the first half of the nineteenth century. Their Lyon workshop became particularly noted for finely made instruments inspired by the great Cremonese makers.

This handsome example has a one-piece maple back of strong medium curl, gently descending across the back from the bass towards the treble flank, with ribs of similar, somewhat more irregularly figured maple and a scroll cut from wood of broader figure. The table is of spruce with even, medium-narrow grain.

The violin is covered with an attractive orange-red-brown varnish over a warm golden ground, with skilful antiquing giving the instrument considerable character while retaining a particularly attractive and coherent appearance.

The instrument bears the label:

Petrus et Hipolitus Fratres Silvestre
Fecerunt Lugduni Anno 1839 N° 186

It is accompanied by a photographic Certificate of Authenticity from Remenyi House of Music, Toronto, dated 21 March 2006, in which the violin is described as:

“a fine and original work by the Brothers Silvestre, in Lyon, France, circa 1840.”

The Remenyi certificate further records the violin as being “in very fine condition and original in all essential parts.”

Measurements: Length of back 358 mm; upper bout 172 mm; middle bout 117 mm; lower bout 208 mm.

An excellent and well-preserved example of mid-19th-century French violin making, with particularly useful photographic documentation and authentication.

The attractive back in a single piece of maple of medium curl slightly descending across the back from the bass down towards the treble flank. The ribs or similar although somewhat more irregular curl, the pegbox and scroll of somewhat broader curl. The front in two matching pieces of spruce of medium grain. The varnish of a warm orange-red-brown colour over a warm golden ground.

Labelled

Petrus et Hipolitus Fratres Silvestre
Fecerunt Lugduni Anno 1839 N° 186

Length of back 358 mm

Width upper bout 172 mm

Width middle bout 117 mm

Width lower bout 208 mm.

Delivery

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Returns and Exchanges

We understand that sometimes a product may not meet your expectations. You may return your item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, provided it is in its original packaging and in resaleable condition. The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the product is faulty or incorrectly supplied.

Please include your full contact details and either the original invoice or a note clearly stating your name, address, order number, and whether you’d like an exchange or refund.

Returns should be sent to:

Standard Returns Policy

We are happy to exchange or refund any item that is faulty, damaged, or unsuitable for your needs. To qualify, items must be returned within 14 days of receipt, in perfect condition, and in their original sealed packaging with all labels and seals intact.

Your statutory rights are not affected. Please refer to our full Refund Policy below for additional information.

How to Return an Item (UK Customers)

• Pack the item securely in its original packaging (or an alternative sturdy box if necessary).
• Remove any old delivery labels.
• Enclose your invoice or a note including your name, address, contact details, and order number.
• Use a tracked postal or courier service of your choice when sending your return.
• Customers are responsible for the cost of return postage, which will not be reimbursed unless the item is found to be faulty or sent in error.

Once we receive your return, we will process it within 14 days. Refunds will be made to your original payment method, minus any applicable postage costs or transaction fees.

UK Exchanges

If you wish to exchange an item, we will cover the postage for the first replacement to UK addresses. Please include a note with your parcel clearly stating the item you wish to receive in exchange.

International Returns

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Please securely repack your item (preferably in its original packaging) and remove all old shipping labels. We do not cover international return shipping costs. You must use a tracked, insured service suitable for your region.

Standard Returns Address

Please include your contact details, invoice, or a note indicating whether you would like a refund or exchange. You are responsible for paying return postage costs, and we recommend adequate postal insurance in case your parcel is lost or damaged in transit.

For any return queries, please email enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.

Refunds

Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase. While we aim to process all refunds within 24 hours of receiving the return, please allow up to 10 working days for the funds to appear in your account, depending on your payment provider.

In cases where an item is faulty, we may reimburse reasonable return postage costs upon confirmation. Please contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london for assistance.

Refunds will only be processed once the returned goods have been received and inspected. Proof of postage must be retained as evidence of return.

Refund Policy Summary

• Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt.
• Items must be unused, in their original packaging, with all tags attached.
• Returns without prior approval may not be accepted.
• Certain items are non-returnable, including perishable goods, custom-made items, personal goods, sale items, and gift cards.
• Damaged or defective items must be reported immediately upon receipt.
• Refunds, once approved, are issued to the original payment method. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and deductions may apply for payment processing fees (e.g., PayPal).

For return requests or questions, please contact: enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london.