This excellent 19th century violin
is offered to the highest bidder with no reserve.
The violin bears the brand of its maker, Claude Chevrier who worked in Mirecourt, France from 1820 to 1860. His son Joseph, became the head of violin making for the huge French firm of Thibouville Lamy for 45 years until his death in 1911. The violin also bears a later shop label from Hammond Ashley in Seattle. 
The bridge is also stamped HA and was presumably made in the Hammond Ashley shop.
This 175 year-old violin is in very good condition for its age. It is very well set up with gorgeous matching French Rosewood fittings, very well adjusted and fitted pegs, a well-fitted bridge and post and excellent new Thomastik Vision Solo strings. It bears its original varnish and has only a few minor repairs. There are repaired cracks on the top above each f hole-tiny on the treble side and a bit larger on the bass side.  There are no other cracks or repairs that I can find. There is varnish wear from use, and the typical minor nicks and scratches one would expect. In all, this violin remains in a wonderful state of preservation for its age.This is a full-sized violin and like many made in Mirecourt, France in the mid-19th century, it is rather large.  Its back measures 363 mm or 14 1/4 inches.  It is big and broad and produces a big, very rich and very powerful, high quality tone.  It has depth and warmth, yet a penetrating brilliance when pressed.  This is not a shy violin. It may have too big a sound to comfortably blend in an orchestra.  This is a fiddle that just wants to be heard.  And it isn't just loud.  It has a singing quality to the sound, and about as much depth and sonority and any I have played.  It has unusual range from a sweet, pure whisper with a light bow to an almost arrogant intensity when pressed. Its a busy and juicy tone, loaded with overtones and richness.  This is an unusually loud, powerful and fine sounding instrument that loses none of its quality and character at projection. It has great flexibility to fit most any need.  It can be dark and warm, or bright and edgy depending on the bow pressure. It has a sweetness that is rare in such a powerful instrument and tremendous carry and sustain.  It is a real thrill to play this violin and I am excited to share its delights with another lucky player.  Look over the photos carefully and feel free to ask questions.  In particular the scroll of this instrument is gorgeous and the one piece back is very pretty.  The closer and more carefully you look at this violin the more you will become familiar with the attributes of quality 19th century French violin making.The bidding will open at $49 and the violin will sell to the high bidder regardless of price. This is a real auction. The high bidder wins regardless of price.
   I guarantee this violin to be delightful and as good as my description or I will happily take it back for a full refund.  I stand behind what I sell and only offer good instruments that are worthy of a full guarantee.  If you win it, and it isn't what you were hoping for, you can return it for a full refund excluding my shipping charge. Whether you spend several hundred dollars or several thousand, the guarantee is the same.  Every penny you pay for the violin, I refund without any hassle or argument.  But please plan on making up your mind and letting me know within 14 days.  Absolutely no refunds or returns considered more than 30 days after auction end.    
This is a full-sized violin. The back measures 14 1/4 inches or 363 mm.      I have sold hundreds of violins on eBay to satisfied buyers and the word spreads.  I know that serious players, teachers, and advanced students look at my auctions regularly and know that my descriptions are accurate and my violins are very good if I say they are. Just check my feedback.    If you have any questions, or need additional photos, please don't hesitate to email me.Please contact me directly if there are any questions, concerns, problems or issues. Contact me first if you plan to return the violin and I will take care of everything in a prompt and professional manner.
I am dedicated to excellent customer service.
The violin does not come with a case or bow. Insured shipping and professional packaging of the highest order is $39 in the US, $69 to Canada and $89 to most other countries. I double pack in new, custom-made shipping cartons.  I use packing materials designed to provide superior protection for old violins. I ship very fast, usually within 24 hours of payment-or less.  You can expect your package to arrive safely within a couple of days of your payment.If you win this auction, and pay within 24 hours, I will ship in time to arrive anywhere in the USA before Christmas.
Thanks for looking!!!!      Pahdah_hound