William Hoggard, Bridlington, Yorkshire 1854 (EN026) - $17,500 Canadian

William Hoggard, Bridlington, Yorkshire 1854 (EN026) - $17,500 Canadian

This is a lovely old northern English cello that has been fully restored.

It is made from a very tightly grained two-piece English pine (spruce) front and stunningly attractive English field maple back. Interestingly the upper and lower ribs are made of maple quarter cut whereas the center ribs are slab cut - an interesting and unique feature. The head is of nicely carved maple and the fingerboard of good quality ebony. The instrument is fitted with a new set of Kaplan strings, Wittner tailpiece and ebony pegs.

William Hoggard was not a prolific maker; how many instruments he made is unknown and he is not listed in any violin-maker directories. The name Hoggard is not uncommon in that area of Yorkshire, the 1851 census lists a father and son, both named William, living in Bridlington at that time, both were listed as shoemakers. It is likely one of these was the maker of this instrument. Who taught William violin-making remains a mystery.

The cello is in great condition, it is very easy to play, the sound is warm, mature with good projection. The bass tone is particularly appealing.

The length of back is 747mm, high resolution photos available on request.