Frank Sindelar #73 1920 Chicago

Soloistic, colorful, radiant

Frank Sindelar was born to Czechoslovakian parents in Bohemia and emigrated to the United States at age 18. After settling in Chicago, Sindelar worked as a cabinet maker in a piano factory until 1910, when he learned violin making from John Hornsteiner, who taught numerous Chicago area makers. Although Sindelar opened his own shop in 1917, most of his prolific output was made for other workshops and was labeled as such. He made 300 instruments, including 30 violas and 10 cellos. Sindelar's early instruments were similar to Hornsteiner's work, and many of his others were Stradivarius models. He also made a few Guarneri models and some small violas. He typically used an orange or a brittle red varnish, although his varnish was more plum-colored in the 1930s. He was known for varying the color and formulation of his varnish throughout his career. Sindelar also repaired and restored instruments and was an inventor, helping develop Super-Sensitive steel strings.

Sindelar’s knowledge of his craft is evident in the construction of this violin and the wood chosen. The back is two pieces of quarter-cut maple with subtle medium-narrow flame and lovely figuring to the grain. The ribs and the scroll match the back, and the top is two pieces of spruce with grain that is even and narrow. The instrument is coated with a luminous golden-orange varnish that has been thoughtfully shaded and antiqued to reveal a golden yellow ground.

The violin has a lovely soloistic tone that is colorful throughout all registers as well as a beautifully radiant upper register.

The interior label reads : FRANK SINDELAR VIOLIN MAKER CHICAGO, ILL. 19

The violin is in excellent condition.

The instrument is accompanied by a Warren certificate of authenticity.

Measurements

Length: 36.3cm

Upper Bouts: 16.6cm

Middle Bouts: 11.4cm

Lower Bouts: 20.7cm