Violoncello

200-year-old Italian instrument, ribs and two-piece, symmetrically crafted back made of wildly and very irregularly flamed maple, cut semi-cordially; scroll made of medium-width flamed mirror maple; annual rings of the symmetrical spruce top become wider towards the edges (5 mm). The high, narrow arches transition early into a wide, flat moulding. The sides and back have a rounded, strong shape. The scroll is of average workmanship and without any distinctive features. However, the edge inlay is neatly worked into the ebony. The open, slightly elongated ff holes differ slightly from each other. On a golden brown background, there are hardly any traces of the original brown varnish. The instrument has been severely shortened at the top and bottom, as clearly evidenced by the original fluting that extends beyond the edge. The top, back and sides – except for the right lower side – belong together. Condition: shortened at the top and bottom, numerous cracks in the top and sides, one tuning crack in the top, one crack in the back at the top right, lower right side replaced, large patch on the upper right side, leaf veneer edged, etc. This instrument requires thorough repair, the extent of which can only be assessed after opening.