Joseph Hel violin #24, 1874, Lille | Metzler Violins

Born at Mazirot (Vosges, France) 1842.

Pierre Joseph Hel apprenticed in Mirecourt with Salzard before working for S. Vuillaume in Paris and Nicolas Darche. In 1865 he opened his own shop in Lille, where he produced over 750 instrument until his death in 1902. Hel mostly used classical Cremonese patterns, but Maggini was also an inspiration. His craftsmanship and materials were excellent, with good sound quality and a fine brownish-red varnish. His son Pierre Jean Henri followed him into the trade. Died 1902.