Violin Attributed to 18th Century made in France
Consignment · Attributed 18th Century, France
An unlabelled French violin,
dark, velvety, with a viola's depth.
A historic violin attributed to the 18th century and likely of French origin, on consignment at Symphonia Strings. Slightly larger than standard, with a big, projecting sound and a notable London concert provenance.
Provenance
Geoffrey Grey's working instrument.
The violin was the primary instrument of British violinist and composer Geoffrey Grey for the majority of his career performing in top London orchestras. It comes to Symphonia from his estate, already played-in over decades of concert work.
Voice
Dark and velvety, with a big projection.
The character of the sound is dark and velvety, with a lower register that borders on viola sonority — unusual depth for a violin. The upper strings answer that depth with a beautiful richness rather than thinning out into a sharp edge. Because the instrument is slightly larger than standard, the resulting sound is significant and carries well in a hall.
Details
At a glance.
| Attribution | 18th century, likely French origin |
|---|---|
| Label | Unlabelled |
| Provenance | Geoffrey Grey, London orchestral career |
| Size | Slightly larger than standard 4/4 |
| Status | Consignment at Symphonia Strings |
Who it suits
Professionals and collectors looking for character.
An instrument for an advanced or professional player who is drawn to dark, complex tone and a big sound. The slightly larger body is part of the character — best matched to a player comfortable with that scale.
Private viewing
An historic instrument, worth playing in person.
A consigned 18th-century violin is best judged in the hand. Book a private viewing at Symphonia, 57–59 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland. Email [email protected] to arrange a time.
Request a viewingConsignment · Attributed 18th Century, France
An unlabelled French violin,
dark, velvety, with a viola's depth.
A historic violin attributed to the 18th century and likely of French origin, on consignment at Symphonia Strings. Slightly larger than standard, with a big, projecting sound and a notable London concert provenance.
Provenance
Geoffrey Grey's working instrument.
The violin was the primary instrument of British violinist and composer Geoffrey Grey for the majority of his career performing in top London orchestras. It comes to Symphonia from his estate, already played-in over decades of concert work.
Voice
Dark and velvety, with a big projection.
The character of the sound is dark and velvety, with a lower register that borders on viola sonority — unusual depth for a violin. The upper strings answer that depth with a beautiful richness rather than thinning out into a sharp edge. Because the instrument is slightly larger than standard, the resulting sound is significant and carries well in a hall.
Details
At a glance.
| Attribution | 18th century, likely French origin |
|---|---|
| Label | Unlabelled |
| Provenance | Geoffrey Grey, London orchestral career |
| Size | Slightly larger than standard 4/4 |
| Status | Consignment at Symphonia Strings |
Who it suits
Professionals and collectors looking for character.
An instrument for an advanced or professional player who is drawn to dark, complex tone and a big sound. The slightly larger body is part of the character — best matched to a player comfortable with that scale.
Private viewing
An historic instrument, worth playing in person.
A consigned 18th-century violin is best judged in the hand. Book a private viewing at Symphonia, 57–59 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland. Email [email protected] to arrange a time.
Request a viewingOriginal: $7,484.91
-65%$7,484.91
$2,619.72Description
Consignment · Attributed 18th Century, France
An unlabelled French violin,
dark, velvety, with a viola's depth.
A historic violin attributed to the 18th century and likely of French origin, on consignment at Symphonia Strings. Slightly larger than standard, with a big, projecting sound and a notable London concert provenance.
Provenance
Geoffrey Grey's working instrument.
The violin was the primary instrument of British violinist and composer Geoffrey Grey for the majority of his career performing in top London orchestras. It comes to Symphonia from his estate, already played-in over decades of concert work.
Voice
Dark and velvety, with a big projection.
The character of the sound is dark and velvety, with a lower register that borders on viola sonority — unusual depth for a violin. The upper strings answer that depth with a beautiful richness rather than thinning out into a sharp edge. Because the instrument is slightly larger than standard, the resulting sound is significant and carries well in a hall.
Details
At a glance.
| Attribution | 18th century, likely French origin |
|---|---|
| Label | Unlabelled |
| Provenance | Geoffrey Grey, London orchestral career |
| Size | Slightly larger than standard 4/4 |
| Status | Consignment at Symphonia Strings |
Who it suits
Professionals and collectors looking for character.
An instrument for an advanced or professional player who is drawn to dark, complex tone and a big sound. The slightly larger body is part of the character — best matched to a player comfortable with that scale.
Private viewing
An historic instrument, worth playing in person.
A consigned 18th-century violin is best judged in the hand. Book a private viewing at Symphonia, 57–59 Wellington Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland. Email [email protected] to arrange a time.
Request a viewing
