Santo Serafin (1699-1758) established his atelier in Venice in 1733.
Most artwork of his so-called golden period was made after Amati family. On this violin, under the original label “SANCTUS SERAFIN,” there is one more label “AD Examplar Antonii & Hieronymi Amati,” which obviously explains it was made after Amati Brothers’ model and it is why this violin is reputed rare.
The history and record of this violin are also held in the Moennig archive data of our company.
It was possessed by W. E. Hill & Son, the top musical instrument dealer in the world, until around 1950, and it was sold to William Moennig & Son, the top musical instrument dealer in America, in 1972. In 1977, it was transferred to a violinist who was top-ranked in Japan and renowned as a Stradivarius player.
It has been preserved in excellent condition and it is presumed that its original capability for musical expression and volume with body attracted many musicians.