1845-1850 Violin Crafted by the Renowned French Maker, Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, ‘ex-Jack Benny’
Year: 1845 – 1850
Maker: Jean Baptiste Vuillaume
Dimensions: Back Length, 35.7 cm.
The Violin
This fine violin – the “ex-Jack Benny” – crafted by the renowned French violinmaker Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, presents a rare opportunity for discerning violinists and collectors to own not just an exceptionally fine instrument, but an important piece of violin history. This masterpiece features exquisitely figured two-piece maple back with striking medium flame, perfectly matched sides, and premium spruce top. Distinguished by Vuillaume’s signature golden orange varnish and expert antiquing, this Stradivarius-model violin produces a commanding voice with a powerful lower register and a brilliance in the upper positions. Professional violinists will appreciate its perfectly balanced tonal palette and effortless projection. This remarkable violin represents the pinnacle of 19th-century French craftsmanship. Contact us to arrange a private viewing of this important and rare instrument.
The “ex-Jack Benny”, formerly owned by the legendary American entertainer, Jack Benny.
This violin is among several outstanding violins that Jack Benny collected and played during his long and illustrious career. This violin, along with a Pressenda and a renowned Stradivarius violin, are among the finest instruments in this great performer’s collection.
The Maker
Master French violinmaker Jean Baptiste Vuillaume revolutionized 19th-century violin craftsmanship from his Paris workshop. His exceptional ability to create fine violins, particularly his masterful replications of Stradivari and Guarneri instruments, led to the production of over 3,000 instruments sought after by distinguished violinists worldwide. His acquisition of Luigi Tarisio’s collection, including Stradivari’s ‘Messiah’ violin, cemented his legendary status. Today, Vuillaume’s fine violins are coveted for their powerful projection and warm, rich tonal qualities, representing the perfect fusion of historical craftsmanship with innovative techniques. His instruments remain highly prized among professional musicians and collectors alike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.