David Bailey Rockwell violin, Boston 1898

David Bailey Rockwell (died c. 1925), though originally from Maine, worked in Boston c. 1878-1895, where he owned various businesses. A self-taught violin maker, he worked at different instrument shops and frequently moved to other cities, including Hartford, Detroit, Chicago, and San Francisco before finally settling in New York.

This violin, made in Boston in 1898, displays D. B. Rockwell's significant talent for copying instruments of old Italian masters. This violin is a fine example of Rockwell's work in excellent condition. It displays a powerful sound that is deep and robust with full support in the low register and a shimmering treble. The tone abounds with character and complexity, often sounding earthy or rustic.