Bears a certificate from J&A Beare Limited:

“We certify that the violin is, in our judgement, a fine old Italian instrument, the work of Pietro Antonio Landolfi of Milan, as indicated by the label it bears dated 1766.

The back in two pieces of maple with slightly faint flames of medium width ascending from left to right; the sides and scroll of similar wood; the table in two pieces of spruce of medium grain; the varnish of an orange-brown colour on a golden ground.

This violin is a fine and characteristic example of the maker’s work, and measures 35.7 cm in length of body, with widths of 16.8 cm full and 20.9 cm full.”

We raised the funds to acquire a violin for Beatrix by Antonio Gragnani, Livorno, Italy, circa 1778.

Gragnani is considered as one of the finest makers of his era and the only notable maker from Livorno (Liburni), his home town. The violin is of Gragnani’s very finest work and in excellent condition with fine archings and exceptionally preserved varnish.

A letter of authenticity from the dealer states:

The back in two pieces of closely figured maple ascending slightly from the left; the ribs of medium figure; the scroll of close figured wood; the two piece table of medium to broad width grain; the varnish of a golden yellow-brown colour. The instrument is a fine and typical example of the maker’s work and bears the original label dated 1778 which reads “Antonio Gragnani fecit Liburni Anno 1778″.