Violins: 1885 Telesphore Barbe Signed and dated No. 48 SOLD Stradivari ‘Le Messie’

Telesphore Barbe Signed and dated No. 48

please inquire for price

Lob is 355 mm. He was born in 1822 in Dijon, France and died in 1892 in Mirecourt France. He is the son of Jean François Barbé. He apprenticed to Honore Derazey. Employed by Jacquot in Nancy, Miremont, Gand and Bernardel at Paris, and finally by J. B. Vuillaume from 1853-1875. Never established his own workshop, but contributed greatly to Vuillaume’s output. A skillful and prolific maker. Instruments bearing his own label generally are Stradivari ‘Messie’ violin copies, with fine red varnish. Télesphore Barbé / Ex premier ouvrier de J. B. Vuillaume / Médaillé à l’Exposition de 1867 / Paris. The text of his label: Ex premier ouvrier de J. B. Vuillaume translates to "Ex first worker for J. B. Vuillaume." The label on the violin for sale is signed and dated in ink. Between 1877-1881 he built for Charles Gand Freres in Paris. He is known to have made the following numbered violins: No. 353, 365, 377-408 April 1880 and May 25, 1880 #s 409-431 to February 21, 1881.


This is signed and numbered on the label and signed and dated in ink on the upper back. It has fluted F holes and a completely carved scroll. The Spruce soundboard is Fine to Medium grain, and the back, sides, neck and scroll are of highly Flamed Maple.

Excellent Condition, retaining its original varnish, aiding to its spectacular and original sound. The well known bow maker, Voirin-who worked for J. B. Vuillaume at the time, said "Telesphore Barbe could make 3 violins a week." These would be signed and varnished by J. B. Vuillaume. 15 violin makers worked for J. B. Vuillaume throughout his career, at the present time Fine Fretted String Instruments has for sale instruments by 5 of those 15 workers. They all have a great resonance and esthetics.