Collin-Mezin 7/8 violin, No. 18, 1922, Paris, FRANCE

Collin-Mezin (fils) 1922 no 18 Paris , 7/8

Powerful, resonant, responsive

The Collin-Mezin family is well renowned in the history of French violin making. Collin-Mezin fils took over the family's workshop in Mirecourt after the death of his father and teacher, Charles J.B. Collin dit Mezin pere. Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mézin (pere) was a luminary among French violin makers of the late 19th century. He was friends with many renowned soloists of the day, won numerous awards and founded an atelier which earned a good name for itself and was later run by his son Charles Louis "fils" keeping his name. Many of his instruments were made for his father and follow his model, but he eventually developed a more personal style. The lineage continues back to his grandfather, Claude-Nicolas Collin, a violin maker whose signature can be found inside violins by Nicholas Vuillaume and Nicolas François Vuillame of Brussels.

This high-quality French Collin-Mezin violin was built in the 20th century in the Collin-Mézin atelier in Paris right before it was moved to Mirecourt in 1925. Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mézin (pere) was a luminary among French violin makers of the late 19th century. He was friends with many renowned soloists of the day, won numerous awards and founded an atelier which earned a good name for itself and was later run by his son Charles Louis "fils" keeping his name.

This unique 7/8  violin has all of the characteristics of these generational traditions. The back is two pieces of maple with beautiful figuring that slants down from left to right. The scroll and ribs both have wood that match the back - the delicate carving of the scroll and the black outlining showcase Collin-Mezin’s craftsmanship. The violin is varnished a lovely light orange-brown, with shading that reveals a pale golden ground.

The violin has a tone that is surprisingly and delightfully powerful for its size. The sound is resonant under the ear and in the hall, and is very responsive.
The label follows the Collin-Mezin tradition, reading : Ch. J-B Collin-Mezin Fils , Maitre-Luthier , Medialle D’or - Exposition Universelle 1900 PARIS , No. 18 1922.
The violin is in excellent condition.

Measurements

Length: 34.9cm

Upper Bouts: 16.6cm

Middle Bouts: 11.2cm

Lower Bouts: 20.0cm