This unlabelled European violin, made in the Vogtland area of northeast Germany well over a hundred years ago, has a striking, warm dark brown varnish that has been shaded back to a golden brown to simulate age. The pegbox is topped with a characterful lion’s head instead of a scroll. The tone is ample, clear, direct and even on all four strings, with an attractive sweetness and a pleasant range of colours to complement the volume. The violin will make an excellent choice for a middle-grade student who enjoys solo playing as well as ensemble work.