One of approximately 15 instruments that Briggs made.
Viol shaped with flat back and upper angle break. Nicely flamed
two-piece back with well-matched rib wood. Table of fine to medium-fine
grained spruce. Original machine heads. Varnish of a light golden
brown over a yellow ground.
Signature:
The instrument is signed in black ink on the upper
back (below the angle break) bass side - Made by James William Briggs,
Wakefield 1888. No4
Brand:
The instrument is branded on the bottom ribs - either
side of centre join below the top-plate saddle (bottom nut);
J.W. BRIGGS (bass side rib)
WAKEFIELD (treble side rib)
Size:
With a LOB measurement of 114.0cm - this instrument
is a true 4/4 size.
With a lower rib depth of 24.0cm (including both
plates) - these can be described as quite exceptional. From the
lower corner blocks the rib depth reduces to 23.6cm at the angle
break on the back.
With a string length of only 105.2cm this is a very
manageable instrument to play.
Provenance:
Formerly - the property of The University of York.
A full front view and a full side view are pictured in the magnificent
and authoritative BVMA (British Violin Making Association) publication:
Violin Making in Scotland 1750-1950 by David Rattray (Custodian
of the instrument collection at The Royal Academy of Music, London.).
The Book was launched on the 5th August 2006 at the Edinburgh Festival
where it coincided with the opening of the Violin Making in Scotland
1750-1950 exhibition.
Restoration:
Includes
new neck, new bass bar, half edging and edging work, two patches
to upper bass bar area, supporting patch to post area, replacement
centre, upper and lower back braces, replacement back centre joint
studs, stud work to all cracks, full set up including new fingerboard,
top grade Chevalts Despiau bridge with fitted aluminium adjusters,
top quality English end-pin unit and compensated tail piece.
Performance:
The whole instrument vibrates well when bowed. The
sound is huge. The sound is deep, dark and powerful.
Would you like to listen
to a short sound clip of the James William Briggs?
If so please
click here.
Desirability:
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly magnificent
example of Brigg's work. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an
instrument that is fully documented in an authoritative new publication.
This is rare opportunity to acquire a visually impressive
and tonally magnificent orchestral instrument.
This is without question an investment quality instrument
that should produce healthy dividends both in terms of securing
a top position in a major symphony orchestra and in terms of capital
growth.
Stats:
LOB (length of back) - 114.0cm (44.80in)
Width across upper bouts - 54.2cm (21.25in)
Width across middle bouts - 39.2cm (15.45in)
Width across lower bouts - 72.0cm (28.35in)
Depth of lower ribs - 24.0cm (including both plates)
Body Stop - 60.0cm (23.65in)
String length - 105.2cm (41.35in).
Brand: 
