Raeburn Violin

Raeburn Violin
Labelled; George R. Raeburn,  fecit West Calder 1803

-sold-  $600  

George R. Raeburn was born in 1846 in England.
The fiddle  is marked 1803, but this can't be right according to my research. In 1903 he would have been 57. West Calder is in Scotland near Edinburgh.

English violins made by the Raeburn family were referred to as "Rae's" and remarked upon as having "a handsome appearance, and a striking boldness of character". The wood of the "Rae's" is California Sequoia, 1300 years old when it was cut down in 1872. It has very narrow grain and "surprisingly good acoustic qualities". You can see a reference here.

Appearently he at least visited Glassport, Pa. in 1905 and 1906 if not lived there.

This fiddle's "bold character" might be embodied in it's appearance as well as it's sound. Instead of the usual fiddle head detail at the peg head, it has a gargoyle motif.

Excellent playing condition and beautiful patina. There are a couple of cracks that are visible. And a repair to the parting line down the back was repaired as shown in the photos. Whoever did the repairs knew what they were doing.

These are renown instruments, and this one is rather rare.  Some of the original hardware is exotic, notice the awesome "horn" tailpiece. Shows some playing wear but nothing serious. Recent professional setup. Plays nice and has an excellent sound.


For comparison:
Violin labelled Alexander Raeburn, Fife, 1898  $3,500
" Our John Raeburn violin is priced at £4,500. " This one I found in England is selling for USD $7,500.
Reference from the book "British violin-makers classical and modern".

the "gargoyle" head

the horn tail piece is incredible

flame back

crack

wear and rosin dust

George R. Raeburn, "fecit."?   West Calder. A.D. 1803

These two blocks show where the back was repaired.