Origin or not original, it's the problem

October 14, 2009 at 03:18 AM ·

(1) Why and who would put a fake label in it?

Although I don't know for sure, I would guess either the maker or somebody who wanted to sell it for money. Obviously one could sell a violin more if it was a Guarneri rather than a Mansuy regardless of sound.

(2) Why this luthier "Mansuy" did not or did not want to put his own label in it? 

Don't know, sorry

(3) Dose anyone have this luthier's label, can you show us his label?

I actually do own a violin with the label of "Mansuy A Paris" with what looks to be some numbers below it. I see a "830" hand written, which looks like it could have been the year 1830, and the 1 has just worn off. Unfortunately I can't take a picture of it (at least right now). The label is hand cut, and the edges are very ragged and not evenly cut. The label is also fairly small.

With this said, I'm not entirely sure it is the 'actual' mansuy. It might be somebody from his family or shop.

(4) Why this luthier stamp on it instead of a label?

I'm not really sure, sorry.

(5) Is this violin a true Mansuy's work? it it is not true , who would like to stamp a not famous luthier on it  then use another fake label to cover it?

I'm guessing it is a real Mansuy violin. Logically, I don't understand why somebody would stamp another maker's work when that maker isn't a famous/well known person. A luthier would know more than I would about this.

I've tried looking up more information about this maker. I have yet to find much of any, unfortunately. I do love the sound that comes out of the violin, which is the most important to me :).

October 14, 2009 at 07:26 AM ·

Many thanks Mark A,

Thanks for your information, I do really like this violin and I find I love it more when I know her story and who made her.

This violin is light-orange color and sounds warm, sweet and beautiful.

By the way, could I ask you that what is the price range of your Mansuy violin?

Thanks again for your information.

October 14, 2009 at 09:37 PM ·

Hey,

 My violin is quite dark (in color), but *very* warm, which is why I like it. I don't remember exactly, but I think I paid around $3000? Plus or minus probably 500. I am extremely satisfied with it, so I don't wish to trade it up, atleast not for quite a while. Without my knowledge, I tried a $20,000 violin (mixed in with the rest of them) when I was testing out violins. I still liked this one better :).

Surprisingly, the neck is original. From my knowledge most older instruments all have had their neck replaced. This is one of the reasons I think mine might be more modern (ish, as in 19th, mabye even 20th century).

In the next few days, I'll see if I can take some pictures of the label and violin, and I'll put them up.

Cheers

October 15, 2009 at 12:51 AM ·

Hi Mark A,

Thanks for your reply and information of your violin.

I paid for this violin about US4600 and my teacher said this violin should be at the price range US25,000 to US37,500 if we just judge her by what she sounds.

My violin is very very old, the date is 1786 so she is about 230 years old.

I check on the net and found this Maker worked in Pairs around 1740 to 1786.

Therefore my violin might be the one of last work in the very end of Mansuy's life.

After his death someone bought his brand and countiune to produce respectable violin in Pairs.

My last teacher hates this violin very much because oneday he asked many students and musical teachers to set outside of our music room to judge which violin is the best one between his one and mine.

We tried three times and no one picked his violin once and his violin is a work of Modern Cremona master piece.

After that he really hate mine.....hahaha

Thanks for your reply again and wait for your pictures.

I will inform you and show you my violin pictures after her loose bass bar was reglued.

October 15, 2009 at 12:59 AM ·

I don't know if this applies to your violin, but Henley's Dictionary of violin makers states:

"Worked at Mirecourt, 1740-1786, though Paris sometimes is indicated. Thoroughly well-made instruments. Stradivarian modelling of normal measurements, not so broad at waist curves as that of general Mirecourt style. Wide grain belly wood, handsome slab back. Often a dull brownish-yellow varnish, but occasionally a light orange or reddish-brown of better quality. Tonal quality of agreeable fullness if not sweetness.  . . . Branded "Mansuy a Paris" or "Mansuy, Mirecourt". Many specimens seen dated 1900 and onwards which are products of a Mirecourt firm who purchased the brands.

October 15, 2009 at 01:31 AM ·