J. B. Vuillaume was one of the most important violin makers in Paris in the 19th century.
In 1800s, many musicians placed more importance on old Italian instruments than ones made in those days.
In such days, Vuillaume, fastidiously studying and imitating Stradivarius and Guarneri, made many copies of them to meet the demands of the time. Many of them have been left to the following generations. His tenacious attitude for better sounds went through all his life that disposed him for various tries and errors for better artwork.
In the world’s fair of 1851 in London, he made two sets of quartet and a huge octobase, and received council medals for them.
In 1860, he moved to more spacious premises on Pierre Demours Street and hired many skillful assistants. Afterwards they spread out to Mirecourt and Mittenwald where they established the foundations for mass production of violins.

Later the French government awarded him “Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur” (the National Order of the Legion of Honor), which lead him to the highest appreciation in the society, but in such honorable days, he passed away in 1875.
This violin was made in 1872, late in his life, and can be said to be where he finally reached in his lifelong study. While not exaggerating perfect Stradivarius model, “ F ” holes and the flat arch nearby show Vuillaume’s original style. Its brilliant but deep sound perfectly meets musicians’ needs in large halls.
Please take a look at this masterpiece from Paris of the 19th century.