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Violin labeled Alexander Gaglianus me fecit... Expand / Collapse
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Posted Sunday, April 27, 2008 6:27 PM
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Here are some pictures can someone help me to determine how old this violin is, and if it may be an original Gaglianus or a copy?  The label inside reads:    Alexander Gaglianus me fecit Neapoli 17_7

It appears that the 3rd digit is faded out and I believe the last is a 7.  The label appears to be old with a black line outlining part of the label. The label looks like it was cut out by hand rather than a machine.

It has a solid piece back.  The color under the lacquer is a reddish brown color. 

The length measured from the top of the head to the bottom on the back side of the violin is approx 23 1/2 inches, the body is 14 1/4 inches.  The depth of the sides is just under 1 1/2 inches.  Measuring across the back from side to side the upper width is 6 10/16, the bottom from side to side lower width is approx 8 1/4.  The center width is close to 4 1/4. 

I hope this gives enough information to help me identify this violin.  Thanks for any information.

                    

Post #1573
Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 10:54 PM


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"Alex Gaglianus NON me fecit........ Neapoli 17_7"



the bat
Post #1574
Posted Friday, May 09, 2008 1:26 AM
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Been trying to do some more research on this violin, so far I've had it to two different shops locally, both seem to think it was made in the 1920's to  1940's.  They were not familiar with the maker or anyone that may have reproduced this named violin.  I went to the public library and looked in a book about "Italian Violin Makers".  The only thing I found that I didnt find on the internet was a picture of the label that appears to look like the one in my violin.  So upon both repair shops "opinion" that it would cost over 600.00 to repair my violin and their "opinion" was that it was not worth fixing, I decided to do some work on it myself.  I was told that the original finish was an oil base finish, and that someone at an unknown time had put a shiney lacquer finish on it and that was seen by the large flakes that had already come off.  So I helped it along and took the rest of the finish off, to uncover some really beautiful wood.  The curls on the one piece back is very pretty, that was not so clear to see under the old lacquer.  The top uncovered is what I feel to be pretty old wood by the feel and look of it.  The scratches that were in it prior to me taking off the lacquer are now gone, they were scratched in the lacquer.  So my violin now has the beginning of a new look for the better "in my opinion".  It will still need a new fingerboard, soundpost, bridge, tailpiece and tuning pegs, then comes the strings.  But what is amazing to me is the resonance that the violin has.  As I tap on the top and the back, I can feel the wood vibrate  as it becomes alive again, I can't wait until I get it completed so I can hear what it will sound like.  So, even though this may not and probably is not from what I've been told be an "original Alexander Gaglianus", it will be quite a unique one to me when I'm finished.  I hope this information might help someone that is trying to find out information on their violin that has the same name as mine, but it sure would be interesting if this violin could talk and tell me all who played it and where it was made and when.  May take me awhile to finish it but I'll post some pictures when its done.  Good luck with yours

Post #1587
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