This very fine antique Mittenwald violin
is offered to the highest bidder with no reserve.The violin bears an illegible labelThe violin was made in Mittenwald Germany around 1870 or so and exhibits many of the identifiable Mittenwald attributes but executed to a very high grade. The fine oil varnish, impeccably inlaid purfling, the excellent carving, clean and artistic scroll, fine choice of woods including the boldly flamed one-piece back, the well-shaped button, and well-conceived model and arching, the dropped saddle, one-piece rib, and Mittenwald "notch" all combine to reinforce the impression of a truly fine quality handmade, antique violin.This is very old and heavily played, fine Mittenwald violin, is in very good, repaired condition.  There have been several small cracks repaired on the top, two around each f hole as well as a small bass side saddle crack. There are no cracks or repairs in the bass bar or sound post areas. There are two or three small repaired cracks on the back, two at the tail and one tiny one at the top. Again nothing in the sound post or bass bar areas. The varnish on the violin is an original, very high quality oil varnish retaining much of its original gloss and fiery transparency. The set up is very good with a well-carved bridge and sound post, well-fitted pegs that hold well and turn smoothly and easily, and fresh Thomastik Dominant strings. The string heights are correct, neck projection is good, seams have all been checked and glued as needed. This violin is ready to play.The sound of this instrument is perhaps the best reason that old, handmade, master Mittenwald violins like this are among the most desirable and valuable of all German violins.  The finest individual German masters came out of Mittenwald while other regions such as Markneukirchen and Schonbach were better known for their mass produced commercial violins for the export trade to North America.  The tone is remarkable for its depth and rich, dark color.  But even with its warm and viola-like sound, it is highly capable when pressed, and has the penetrating brilliance and carrying power that makes for a fine concert violin. This is a big, loud, and powerful sound, that can be a bit surprising for those who have never played a real concert capable instrument.  The sound explodes from the violin as if amplified, but has the ability to sound soft, sweet and creamy with just a bit gentler bow pressure.  This is a very flexible instrument, with loads of options for expression by the accomplished player. It has exceptional clarity, a clean and pure sound, and loads of juicy, ringing overtones that can be rather magical.  This violin is an excellent example of the highest quality concert violins to come out of Germany.This is a full-sized violin.
The back measures 353mm or 13 7/8 inches. 
The vibrating string length is 328mm,
the neck length is 130mm,
and the body stop is 196mm.