Violin Markneukirchen/Schönbach, c. 1860-80

19th-Century German "Guadagnini" Copy Violin (c. 1860–1880)

Origin: Markneukirchen/Schönbach region (Saxony/Bohemia)

Era: Late Victorian (circa 1860–1880)

Label Facsimile: Laurentius Guadagnini Pater, & Alumnus Antonj Straduarj, fecit Placentie Anno 1742

Overview

A beautiful testament to the golden age of European trade luthiery, this late 19th-century violin captures the history, warmth, and character of the historic Markneukirchen and Schönbach instrument-making hubs. Built during the peak export era of the 1860s to 1880s, this instrument was patterned after the legendary Italian classical models, featuring a romantic facsimile label attributing the design to Lorenzo Guadagnini (father of G.B. Guadagnini). Far outperforming modern factory instruments, this violin offers the distinct advantage of 150 years of naturally aged wood, resulting in a seasoned, mature acoustic presence.

Craftsmanship & Tonality

Hand-finished within the historic German cottage-industry system, the violin exhibits excellent wood selection typical of the region’s premium trade workshops. The top is carved from fine-grained European spruce, complemented by a highly flamed maple back and matching ribs. It is finished in a warm, resonant amber-brown varnish that showcases the natural depth of the wood grain beneath.

Tonally, this instrument is deeply expressive. Thanks to a century and a half of wood maturation, it delivers a warm, complex low register and a clear, focused upper register free of the harshness found in newer models, making it an exceptional choice for the advancing classical student, ensemble player, or traditional fiddler.

Key Features

• Aged Tonewoods: Fine European spruce top and highly figured, flamed maple back, sides, and scroll.

• 150 Years of Maturation: Naturally stabilized wood that provides superior resonance, projection, and depth of tone.

• Historical Character: Features an authentic late-1800s reproduction label of Lorenzo Guadagnini's 1742 Piacenza model.

• Versatile Performance: Balanced acoustic voice well-suited for orchestral play, chamber music, or acoustic folk styles.

Condition Note

This instrument is structurally sound and shows honest wear consistent with its age, adding a beautiful, authentic patina to the finish. 

The back in two matching pieces of maple of strong medium-fine curl descending across the back from the center joint, the ribs of similar curl, the pegbox and scroll of somewhat less pronounced curl. The front in two matching pieces of spruce of medium grain in the center broadening towards the flanks. The varnish of a warm, golden orange-brown color on a light yellow-brown ground.

Labelled

Laurentius Guadagnini Pater

& Alumnus Antonj Straduarj

fecit Placentie Anno 1742

Length of back 356 mm

Width upper bout 168 mm

Width middle bout 115 mm

Width lower bout 211 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.