A violin by Vincenzo Sannino, Naples/Rome c1910

Price range: £50,000+

Vincenzo Sannino, born in Naples in 1879, initially trained as a violinist at the city’s conservatory, where he likely encountered local makers such as Giuseppe Desiato and Francesco Verzella. However, the strongest influence on his development as a luthier came from Giovanni Tedesco. A decisive moment in his career occurred when he met the German dealer Fridolin Hamma, whom he accompanied on trips across Italy, broadening his exposure to a wide range of classical Italian models beyond the Neapolitan tradition.

Sannino’s work is particularly recognizable in his scrolls, featuring an elongated pegbox and a refined volute that finishes high at the eye. His f-holes are similarly elongated, with oval apertures and gently fluted wings. He often used purfling with a dark central strip, and his varnish is of fine quality, frequently with an antiqued appearance. His instruments reflect a blend of regional character and broader Italian influence.

Sean Bishop “This violin is a really fine example of his work..it’s trying hard to be an old violin but not quite there! The scroll really gives it away…too thought out. The label states, made by David Pizzurnuss of Genoa 1772….who as ever heard of him!! Not me! But a great violin with lots of attitude . Certificate from J&A Beare.”

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Sean Bishop - Director