Baroque Violin, made by a member of the Klotz family, Mittenwald, circa 1780–1800.

Bearing its original neck, bass bar and lower saddle — a rare late-baroque survivor.

A highly unusual and historically significant late-baroque violin from the heart of the Mittenwald tradition, retaining its original neck set, bass bar and lower saddle. Instruments in this state of preservation are exceptionally rare and offer an authentic window into 18th-century German lutherie and performance practice.

Made in Mittenwald around 1770, this violin emerges from the Klotz-school circle, the prolific dynasty founded by Matthias Klotz that defined the town’s output for generations. Mittenwald makers of this period worked in a distinctive idiom that blended Jacob Stainer’s high-arched, silvery-toned model with Amati-derived elegance of outline and varnish. Typical hallmarks include moderately to fairly high arching, a generous Stainer-based outline, upright and well-spaced f-holes with oval finials, and a warm amber to ochre-brown varnish over a golden ground.
 

The survival of the original neck, bass bar and lower saddle is particularly noteworthy: most baroque instruments were later “modernised” with neck resets, heavier bass bars and new saddles to accommodate higher tension and modern setup. This instrument’s untouched structural core makes it a compelling candidate for historically informed performance or scholarly study.
 

Baroque violins of the Mittenwald school are celebrated for a mature, resonant voice with warmth, clarity and a distinctive “silvery” bloom in the upper register, a quality often attributed to the full, highly vaulted arching and lighter internal bracing. With lower string tension, gut strings and a lighter bass bar, the instrument speaks readily under the bow, offering a soft attack, gentle swell and natural decay that suits baroque phrasing and ornamentation.
Warmth and depth in the lower strings, with a rounded G and D that support rich chordal textures.
Clear, singing trebles that carry without harshness, the characteristic “silvery” top end associated with high-arched Germanic models.
Responsive articulation and a resonant “box” that continues to vibrate after the bow leaves the string, enhancing sustain and colour.
Balanced projection ideal for chamber music, continuo work and solo repertoire.

Presented in baroque set-up with original neck, bass bar and lower saddle intact. The instrument’s structural authenticity makes it especially valuable for collectors and performers seeking an unaltered late-baroque example. As with all period instruments, a specialist setup and stringing (gut or modern equivalents suited to baroque tension) unlock its full tonal potential.
 

The back in two matching pieces of maple of light medium curl descending across the back from the center joint. The tibs of stronger fine curl. The pegbox and scroll of plain maple. The front in two matching pieces of spruce of medium grain broadening at the flanks. The varnish of a warm reddish chestnut-brown color on a golden-amber ground.

Length of back 360 mm

Width upper bout 165 mm

Width middle bout 112 mm

Width lower bout 202 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.