Labelled:

William Robinson
Plumstead N 369
1943

This violin comes with a certificate from Benjamin Hebbert with the following text:

IN MY OPINION the violin illustrated is an authentic English example by William Robinson (1880-1960) made in 1943 and numbered 369 as indicated by the original label. During his working life from 1910-1953 he had the support of Dykes & Sons on New Bond Street, and his instruments were well received within the professional market during his lifetime.

The violin is of rather broad pattern that is common to Robinson’s work, but whilst he tends towards a Guarneri-inspired design, the soundholes with very broad wings that are balanced top-to-bottom is much more reminiscent of Stradivari’s work of the final few years in the 1730s. The broad, slightly wavy spruce is a typical feature of Robinson’s work, perhaps using wood reserved for the piano soundboards rather than for violin making.

The violin, as illustrated, is in an excellent state of preservation.

See certificate by Benjamin Hebbert : William Robinson certificate