A fine English violin by Henry Lockey Hill (1774 - 1835) made c.1810.

One of the finest craftsmen of the Hill family, Henry Lockey (also known as Lockey) was the son of the first Lockey Hill. He trained under his uncle Joseph Hill II, and it is certain that he was working for John Betts by 1806. Sometime around 1810 Prussian King Frederick William III entrusted his Stradivari cello to Betts for repair, and Hill took the opportunity to create templates of it, which presumably served as a model for his later Stradivari copy cellos. Hill took over his father's shop in 1810, and his three sons William Ebsworth, Thomas, and Joseph II were all makers, though W.E. is by far the most well known.

In general Hill's work represents a significant step forward from the trade instruments his father and grandfather are most known for. His decision to abandon the exaggerated and distorted Stainer copies favored in previous generations was a sound one, and instead he used a personalized version of the Stradivari model. His subtle varnish is of excellent quality and is in keeping with his generally elegant approach”

We are extremely fortunate to have this example for sale. The violin is in an incredible state of preservation, probably the finest complete example of an instrument by the maker in the world today. The original neck is still intact and most of the black chamfer around the expertly crafted Stradivari style scroll still visible more than 200 years later.

Tonally it is very punchy with a confident edge whilst elegant when required. There is plenty of clarity with balance across all strings and directness when needed. A very open and accessible sound, it has a stunning vintage tone. Finished with Evah Pirazzi Gold strings which add warmth and thickness, with a searing warm E string.

Comes with a certificate by Ruschil London.