There are many strange,
quirky and unusual violins in existence. One of the more
unusual and rare types are the metal instruments and made
for various reasons. Here are a few:-
1. A copper violin. Circa
1800 made to play, probably as an apprentice piece.
2. Made of pewter (right)
This instrument is totally of pewter including the neck,
pegs fingerboard, tail piece and even the bow. Probably an
early 19th century apprentice piece. Far to heavy and
vulnerable to play.
3 Brass violin. (below
left) A late 18th century "church violin". Made by a local
metalwork craftsman for use on the church band before the
coming of reed organs in churches. This example was later
used in a shop sign, the back of the scroll flatted to fit
on a board.
4. Brass viola. (below
right) Another "church" instrument, this one made by a
craftsman more enlightened to the construction of violins.
Other metal violins
seen are a silver example presentation instrument, a factory
made pressed brass violin 1920s from Czechoslovakia for folk
music, an aluminium violin by Aluminium Musical Instrument
Company, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1930s and of course the tin plate toy. |