Silvestre & Maucotel violin #691, Paris, 1910, Boyer certificate | Metzler Violins

SILVESTRE, Hippolyte Chrétien

Born at Sommerviller, 1845. Pupil of Pierre and Hippolyte at Lyons. Succeeded to the control of establishment, 1865. Moved to Paris, 1884, and traded under the name of "Silvestre neveu". Became associated with MAUCOTEL, 1900. Died 1913. Recipient of Exhibition medals at Vienna and Paris. Master craftsman in his modelling of the Stradivarius and Guarnerius. Reddish brown varnish of Italian suppleness, plentifully applied, and very transparent. Every detail splendidly wrought. Nearly always wide grain belly wood. Tonal quality of fine and responsive brilliancy.

MAUCOTEL, Ernest

Born at Mirecourt, 1867. Apprenticed to Paul Bailly. Worked for his uncle at Moscow, 1885. Partner of H.C. Silvestre, 1900. Associated with Paul Deschamp (distinguished expert), 1922. Generally replicas of Seraphino, Montagnana, and Gofriller. Reddish-brown oil varnish.