Full French VIOLIN 4/4 from Mirecourt early 20th century from the Laberte workshops

Mirecourt whole violin 4/4 in perfect condition, ready to be played.

Top table in spruce, sides and back in maple.

Work from the early 20th century from the Laberte workshops.

Length: 35,5 cm

Provenance: Violin teacher in conservatory.

Marc André Joseph Laberte (May 29, 1880 - March 29, 1963) son of Pierre Alexis Auguste Laberte, was trained as a luthier and bow maker. From 1911, he began to play an active role in the company Laberte-Humbert Frères.

Marc Laberte was born into a family of luthiers. His grandfather set up a workshop in Mirecourt as early as 1780. Atelier Laberte produced a wide range of instruments and bows of constant quality, employed more than 300 people in the 1920s. In addition, many qualified masters worked for Laberte, including Camille Poirson, Charles Brugère, and Georges Apparut. The workshop had a fine collection of instruments from all famous luthiers, including Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Giuseppe filius Andrea Guarneri, Francesco Ruggeri, Nicolas Lupot, Jacob Stainer, and Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. They have been meticulously examined and used as models for their own instruments. The workshop was disrupted during the war, and production resumed after the end of the war.

In 1931, Laberte received the Grand Prix for the Stradivox Magné, a phonograph, which was produced in different versions.

Sadly, World War II brought despair to Mirecourt, as well as the rest of Europe. Laberte production ended entirely, as stocks and production tools were attacked and stolen. In 1944 the company resumed operations, but production never reached the same levels as those before the war and ultimately the difficult economic climate in the post-war years resulted in the inevitable decline of Laberte production. Philippe Laberte, son of Marc Laberte, joined the firm during this period and tried to maintain production towards the high end of the market. Marc Laberte died in 1963.