Paul Bailly violin #998, Leeds, England, 1895 | Metzler Violins

Paul Bailly (1844 - 1907)

Born at Mirecourt, 1844. Pupil of Jules Galliard and Vuillaume. Worked at Lille and Douai. Returned to Mirecourt 1871 - moved to Paris 1880 - lived at Brussels - had a brief sojourn in America - worked at Reims - came to London - worked for Harry Dykes at Leeds. Finally settled at Paris 1899. 

Exceptionally gifted with rapid dexterity - produced about 2,000 specimens, each of exemplary neatness. Particularly expert copyist of the Italians from Maggini to Guarnerius; also built many replicas of the Vuillaume style, made from Swiss chalet pine, 200 years old. Especially successful in imparting a non-new tonal quality. Various shades of varnish - brilliant red perhaps favored.