English Japanned Tin Violin Case, Workshops of W.E. Hill & Sons, c. 1897

Description:

English Japanned Tin Violin Case, Workshops of W.E. Hill & Sons, c. 1897, the plaque embossed W.E. HILL & SONS,/VIOLIN MAKERS/140, NEW BOND ST. W., the lock stamped SECURE/LEVER/G. HARLEY & CO./W HAMPTON, approximate length of back 360 mm, ht. 4 1/2, wd. 32, dp. 10 3/4 in.

Provenance: The collection of Dr. Glenn P. Wood.

N.B. "This case is identical in construction to cases made by Jones Brothers & Co. of Wolverhampton, UK, founded in 1853. Their main business was the manufacture of steel cases similar to these intended for use by British military engaging overseas campaigns during the latter part of the 19th century.

The rectangular ones were used by officers to contain and transport accessories such as boots and belts. The two sons, William Hall Jones and Highfield Jones, travelled widely in India, China and South Africa during the 1880s so it seems natural that W.E. Hill & Sons would commission them to make specially adapted boxes to ship and store violins destined to humid parts of the British Empire, especially India.

They are offered for sale in the extremely rare 1897 Hill catalogue of cases for violins, violas and cellos. The listing includes the statement 'these cases are made specially for use abroad and are the only effectual means of preserving a violin in India and other tropical climates.'"
G.P.W.
Estimate $400-600

Mostly stripped of original japanned black lacquer finish.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords