Fine 18th century violin by and labelled Carlo Antonio Testo...

Hammer

£50,000

Fine 18th century violin by and labelled Carlo Antonio Testore Figlio Maggiore del fu Carlo Giuseppe in Contrada larga al segno Dell' Aquila, Milano 1757, also branded C.A.T. within a circle containing the double-eagle device to the inner back and on the button, the two piece back of very faint medium curl with similar wood to the sides and head, the table of a medium width grain widening to the flanks and the varnish of a reddish-brown colour on a golden ground, 14 1/16", 35.70cm, case Provenance; As part of the estate of Jazz violinist, the late composer and arranger Nina Trott there can be little doubt that this Testore has been touched by greatness. It was passed down to Nina by her first cousin (once removed) Hans Keller who later became head of classical music at the BBC and was renowned as one of the 20th century's most original thinkers on classical music. He was interned on the Isle of Man (The Hutchinson Camp) at the beginning of the second world war where he played in duets and string quartets with a group of legendary 20th century musicians including Oskar Adler, Otto Huttenbach, Norbert Brainin, Sigmund Nissell and Peter Schidof who went on to create the world famous Amadeus Quartet.