Jeffery Gilbert (b. 1850, d. 1942) was a British luthier motivated by his enthusiasm for delving into the mysteries of violin making. From his birthplace in New Romney, UK, he relocated to Peterborough in 1875.  He began experimenting with violin making at the age of 20 and continued well into his 70th decade .  Gilbert pursued his violin making with the mission of quality and superlative workmanship.  Indeed, he would carefully study each instrument during the build process and disdained the use of machinery preferring to cut each part of the instrument by hand.  He did not subscribe to any model except his own which varied throughout his career.  Gilbert was equally attentive to appearance of his violins as well as the tone.

This violin is no exception to Gilberts’ approach to building a unique and magnificent instrument.  In fact, his work brought him both gold and silver medals at the Crystal Palace, London, and Edinburgh competitions from 1884 to 1890.

The violinist will be attracted to the luscious medium red orange brown over gold varnish as well as the impeccable and clean appearance of the violin.  The hand-written label reads: Jeffery J. Gilbert, Peterborough, Fecit. Anno MDCCCCXVIII.

Playing the violin is sheer joy!  The violin is powerful, pure, nuanced, responsive, and easy to play.  The tone is brilliant and focused and when asked for, the softer passages flow beautifully with clarity.  The violin will be prized by both professional and serious violinists for solo, chamber and orchestral settings.