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19th-20th C. Hopf Lion Carved Scroll Violin & Bow

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
19th-20th C. Hopf Lion Carved Scroll Violin & Bow
This is an outstanding late 19th Century to early 20th Century bow and violin with rare carved lion head scroll from Hopf. The violin was made in Klingenthal, Germany in the 19th Century. The violin bears the “HOPF” branding, seen on other late 19th Century examples. J. Howard Foote, in his 1882 catalog indicates: “Hopf violins are well known by their peculiar shape and color. Caspar Hopf is thought to have founded the Klingenthal tradition of violin making in the late 17th century. From these beginnings until this century, 24 makers bearing the Hopf family name worked in Saxony, primarily in Klingenthal. The family is generally known for their extensive production of inexpensive and commercial instruments for the trade. This example shows some normal wear, with no major damages and appears to still be playable. This example shows an immensely rare carved wood lions head at the top of the violin, at what is called the scroll. The violin measures 23 ½ inches in length.