Vincenzo Postiglione was a renowned violin maker from Naples, Italy, active during the 19th century. He began his career as an apprentice to Vincenzo Iorio and later established his own workshop in 1855. Postiglione’s craftsmanship was heavily influenced by the Gagliano family, as well as the Cremonese masters like Stradivari and Guarneri.  The present violin is not an original Postiglione costing over one hundred thousand dollars. It is however a very fine copy with beautiful looks and craftsmanship.

This violin is possibly a fine copy from John Edward Betts, made in England by the maker who was in his time noted for his great reproduction of Italian instruments: John Edward Betts was a renowned English violin maker, or luthier, who lived from 1755 to 1823. He apprenticed under Richard Duke in London and eventually took over Duke’s business. Betts was known for crafting violins, cellos, guitars, and harps, and he played a significant role in popularizing Italian instruments in England. His workshop produced a wide range of instruments, from affordable models to exquisite copies of Stradivari and Guarneri designs. It is however a very fine French reproduction made with beautiful craftsmanship and esthetically very attractive.