Beautiful Old Full-Sized Violin, probably German, c. 1920, with Hugo Ernst label With Vintage Walter Hermann Bow, New Heritage Case

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Seller: tarparts ✉️ (745) 100%, Location: Newburyport, Massachusetts, US, Ships to: WORLDWIDE, Item: 335315049272 Beautiful Old Full-Sized Violin, probably German, c. 1920, with Hugo Ernst label.

Here is a beautiful old violin that looks to be from the early quarter of the 20th century. To me it appears to be German, but I am a violinist and collector and not a violin appraiser or expert. The only marking on the violin is a small paper label with the name “Hugo Ernst” inscribed in a graceful period font. The name very probably refers to the musical instrument dealer of that name, an inventor and maker of mandolins and guitars of his own design who operated, along with his father, a well-known music shop in Camden N.J. From the 1880s until the 1920s. The Ernsts were originally from Germany, and imported much of their inventory of violins, violas and cellos directly from makers in Germany and possibly other European violin-making centers.


This violin is very beautiful to look at as well as being a good-sounding instrument. It has a lustrous dark cherry-red varnish that has been well-preserved, and though several small top cracks have developed during its long history, these were all repaired and appear to be stable. The tone of this violin is most unusual, a rich, dark “smokey” sound that creates an almost viola-like timbre on the G and D strings. The tone has both clarity and power, and the sound projects very well. The violin is a full-sized (4/4) and the body length is 14 and 1/4 inches. It is a comfortable violin that is a pleasure to play on. Paired with this beautiful older violin is a vintage bow from probably the same era, by a well-known maker, Walter Hermann. The Hermanns were a large family of bow makers working in Germany, and in fact this bow is stamped “Germany”. Some members of the family made bows valued in the thousands of dollars, others fetch more modest prices at auction. The bow looks to be of pernambuco wood, has great balance and draws a beautiful sound from this violin.


All in all, this violin and bow make an excellent ensemble, and are good examples of Old World violin craftsmanship. This would be a great instrument for someone involved in chamber music or orchestra performance, in particular when playing those lower-lying second violin parts. It would also seem the ideal instrument for a violist transitioning, or expanding into, violin playing.


The case is a brand new high quality Heritage case. It is very strongly constructed, based on a wooden frame rather than the foam that is common in today’s violin kits. It is of medium weight, is canvas-covered, has a hygrometer to check humidity and has a string tube for spare strings as well as straps for back-pack carrying.


This violin is being sold as is. The violin, bow and case will be a sold to the highest bidder, there being no reserve. Shipping within the United States will be FREE.

Shipping to international destinations will be calculated and billed to the buyer.

Returns accepted for full refund of the purchase price, provided the instrument is returned in the same condition as received, the buyer to pay return shipping.


All questions answered promptly and to the best of my ability.

  • Exact Year: c.1920?

PicClick Insights - Beautiful Old Full-Sized Violin, probably German, c. 1920, with Hugo Ernst label PicClick Exclusive

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