Fine example of Matthew Furber's work, made in London around the period 1810-1820. Around this time, Furber had an association with the firm of John Betts, and this instrument was probably made for sale at Betts's shop. Although the instrument is of a typically English form, the arching and edgework are strongly informed by the influence of an Italian maker, Vincenzo Panormo who was also associated with the Betts workshop at the same time.

The instrument, of a small pattern, in in a perfect state of preservation. The decorations on the back reflect a concurrent tranditon of cutting down redundant English violas Da Gamba to make prestigious violas, becoming a specific English fashion in the decades around 1800. The back accretion on the front of the instrument is likely original as part of the antiquing process to simulate the buildup of rosin and soot. The Furber family had a prolific output over several generations making instruments to varying patterns to the requirements of retailers within the London trade.

Unlabelled

String length: 325mm
Back length: 352mm

See certificate by Benjamin Hebbert :

Mathew Furber 1810 - 1820