1899 Violin Crafted by the Renowned French Maker, Joseph Hel |

1899 Violin Crafted by the Renowned French Maker, Joseph Hel

Joseph Hel was born in Vosges, France in 1842. As a young man, Joseph Hel was said to have repeatedly abandoned the sheep so he could he wander off and see the violin makers in nearby Mirecourt instead. He was drawn to the cradle of French violin making where he dreamt of life in a different world, a musical world. In 1856, at the age of fourteen, Hel began his apprenticeship under François Salzard. After seven years as an apprentice, Hel worked for Sebastien Vuillaume before establishing himself in Lille in 1865. Throughout his career, Hel never lost the enthusiasm for violinmaking that he held during his youth. His constant search for information and progress led him to creating innovative methods of making and repairing instruments. According to the violin expert, William Henley, Hel’s craftsmanship and eye for detail was near perfect. This particular violin is in near mint condition and produces an evenly powerful and crisp tone across the strings. Back length: 35.5 cm.

FINE INSTRUMENT CATALOG

At Benning Violins, we maintain one of the largest selections of fine stringed instruments for sale. Our exceptional collection includes fine violins, fine violas, and fine cellos from renowned old-world masters and contemporary luthiers, including our master violinmaker Eric Benning. Fine violin bows, viola bows, and cello bows crafted by French masters complement our stringed instrument collection.

FINE VIOLINS FOR SALE

We offer an exceptional selection of fine, fully restored violins crafted by old-world masters for examination, trial and purchase. Violins crafted by modern masters round out our collection.

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FINE VIOLAS FOR SALE

We offer a extensive variety of fine, quality violas crafted from the mid-18th Century to the late 21st Century for examination, trial and purchase. Our violas are fully restored and in-stock.

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FINE CELLOS FOR SALE

We offer a catalog of fine, master-crafted cellos by old-world and renowned modern makers for examination, trial and purchase. We offer facilities for trial in our studio’s showroom.

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BENNING INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE

We offer violins, violas and cellos crafted by the Benning family of luthiers, made in the style and tradition of the master Cremonese violinmakers, for examination, audition and purchase.

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FINE BOWS FOR SALE

We offer an extensive and enviable collection of fine violin, viola and cello bows crafted by the renowned French masters, as well as bows by prominent modern makers, for examination, trial and purchase.

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BAROQUE INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE

We offer a distinguished selection of fine baroque-era instruments — from Viola da gambas to Viola d’amores — crafted by notable makers, fully restored and available for examination, trial, and purchase.

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