7/8 Violin by Charles Harris c.1830

Charles Harris, born in 1791 and passed away in 1851, was a highly skilled violin maker hailing from England. He plied his craft in both London and Adderbury, Oxfordshire. Harris learned the art of violin making from his father and later honed his skills under the guidance of John Hart.

Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional tonal quality, Harris gained great recognition for his cellos, which were known to possess a rich and powerful sound. His violins, crafted with precision, were also highly regarded.

In 1816, Harris made the decision to leave London and relocate with his family to the village of Adderbury in Oxfordshire. It was during this period that he created some of his most exceptional violins.

During the early 1830s, a stroke of fortune came Harris' way when he inherited a substantial fortune from his uncle. This windfall prompted him to leave behind his violin-making career and transition to a life of luxury on a grand country estate. However, his newfound wealth proved to be short-lived, as he quickly squandered it all. With no other options available, Harris was compelled to return to his passion for violin making in order to sustain himself.

In 1835, Harris took on an apprentice by the name of William Ebsworth Hill. Little did he know at the time that Hill would go on to become one of the most renowned violin makers in the world.

At the age of 60, in 1851, Charles Harris passed away, leaving behind an enduring legacy of exquisite violins and cellos. These instruments continue to be highly sought after by musicians to this day.

Some of Harris's notable instruments include:

• The "Károlyi" cello (c. 1820), was owned by the Hungarian violinist Károly Davidov.
• The "Oxford" violin (c. 1826), is owned by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
• The "Adderbury" cello (c. 1830), is owned by the Royal Academy of Music in London.

The back in two pieces of maple of irregular medium-light curl ascending across the back from the centre joint. The ribs, pegbox, and scroll of similar curl. The front is in two pieces of spruce of medium grain. The varnish of a rich red-orange colour on a yellow ground.

Length of back 353 mm

Width upper bout 156 mm

Width middle bout 102 mm

Width lower bout 197 mm

Delivery

We deliver to customers across the UK and worldwide. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email confirmation with your shipping details and tracking number.

We work with trusted courier partners such as UPS and Parcelforce to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of your purchase.

Please note that if you cancel your order for any reason other than those set out in our Returns and Refund Policy (for example, if you change your mind prior to dispatch or shortly after), we reserve the right to deduct any associated payment processing fees—such as PayPal or card transaction charges—from the amount refunded.

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

Customers returning items from outside the UK are required to use a duty-paid service. Returns sent via duty unpaid or held by customs cannot be accepted.

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.