An interesting 16 ½ “ (420mm) professional quality Viola of the French school from around the middle of the nineteenth century, bearing a spurious ‘Pique’ manuscript label. It is of a broad model, which allows for a substantial internal air cavity without being overly long in the body which helps to give it a deep, rich, viola sound.

The back plate is of two pieces of beautiful, strongly flamed maple with the figure descending from the centre; the sides of similar wood; the head of plain maple; the top plate of two pieces of straight grained spruce all covered in a red-brown varnish which has been applied in a shaded, complex faux-antique pattern, revealing a golden undercoat and ground layer.

This is a lovely instrument visually; it is in superb condition and has great sound production. It’s a viola that would be suitable for the advanced student, dedicated amateur or professional player.

Reference: VA.204