A 4/4 violin of French make from the second half of the 19th century, bearing a label reading ‘Bernardel, Luthier, pupil of Lupot. 21 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, Paris, 1858, Bernardel’. Spruce top with fine growth rings in the centre widening towards the edges, featuring various small repaired cracks (bar on the neck side and at the foot of the bridge on the soundboard side extending to the nut), and minor repairs to the edges of the top. One-piece maple back with small, regular horizontal waves; ribs of the same wood matching the back; orange-brown varnish with a brown patina; 357 mm; in very good restored condition; in a recent case. (expert: Mr Herou)