A well preserved example of 19th century French violin making by (Francois) Jacques Barbe (1797-1871), crafted after his time traveling as a Cannoneer in one of Napoleon’s regiments; Mirecourt. He used a number of labels and iron brand stamps, of which this violin bears two: branded “J. Barbe” to the inside of the back and to the underside of the table, beside the original bass bar. Clean and characterful work on a flat Stradivari model, dating close to 1840. Altogether commendable, but outshined by his more illustrious son, Telesphore Amiable Barbe, who collaborated with and made instruments in the white for J. B. Vuillaume of such dazzling beauty, that Vuillaume varnished them himself and put his label in them. Nonetheless, a highly desirable piece with a Napoleonic connection, and a beautifully sculpted scroll that catches the eye from even across a room.