FENT instrument
Derek Claussen
I have a violin by the Paris maker FENT. Does anyone know anything about
this maker: when he lived, what sort of quality he made. Any info would
help, I am on a quest to figure this guy out!
Derek Claussen
D-...@worldnet.att.net
LUT...@ix.netcom.com
Derek, I haven't been able to find much on this maker, although I too am interested
in him. There is an entry in "Encyclopedia of Violin-Makers" by Karel Jalovec as
follows:
Fent, Francois; Paris, 1765 - 1791. Uncle of Bernhard Fendt, and of Tyrolean
origin. He had the reputation of being one of the most skillful makers of his
time, his works being coveted. Excellent workmanship, varn. amber-yellow, orange or
brownish-red, the latter now darkened. Fine copies of Stradivari, rarely dated,
sometimes only Fendt written inside. Fine maker; but caution is advisable, as
there are some fakes know."
The label shown in the book has a square bordered lable with a garlan wrap that
says: "Fait pa FENT, Maitre Lutier, rue Montmatre, Cul-de-fac Saint Pietre, a
Paris."
There are several other makers named "FENDT". It looks like even his nephew,
Bernhard Fendt, changed the spelling of their last name. And Francois Fent
sometimes used "Fendt" on his labels. The other Fendt's were descendents of
Bernhard Fendt:
Bernhard F.Fendt, born 1775, died 1832, Nephew of Francois Fent of Paris. In London
he worked with Dodd, then with John E. Betts. It is beleived that most of the
Amati and Stradivari copies which bear the name of Betts are his work. He
specialised in doublebasses. He had four sons, all of whom becam violin makers.
Bernard Simon Fendt, born 1800, died 1852, London, Eldest Son of Bernhard F., and
his puil at the time when the father was employed by Betts. Extremely active and
skilful, but less careful in the finish. Made successful copies of Nicolo Amati's
grand pattern. Good material, red varnish.
Francis Fendt, London, London, Liverpool, No dates of birth or death. Second son of
Bernhard F. He did not equal his father an brothers. For some time he worked for
the firm Purdy & Fendt, then settled in Liverpool, where he lived at times in poor
circumstances.
Jacob Fendt, London, born 1815, died 1849. Fourth son of Bernard F. A talented
and ambitious artist who emulated Stradivari and N. Lupot, even imitating the old
appearance of the originals. His works are rare, partly as a result of his early
death.
Martin Fendt, London. Born 1812, died 1845. Third son of Bernhard F. He worked
almost exclusively for Arthur Betts and instruments signed by him are rare. His
skill is beyond doubt, his material good, his varnish, when not made to special
order was golden-brown.
William Fendt, London, born 1833 died 1852. Youngest son of Bernhard F. His pupil
and assistant. There are a few instruments with his label, including very good
violas and double-basses.
Note: There are three violins shown in the appraisers reference manual by Francois
Fent, all made in the 1770's and sold for a low of $4217 to a high of $9900.
You are fortunate to have a violin made by Francois Fent. Carefully check it out
as the biographical entry says there are many fakes. However, this can be said of
about any great maker.
Enjoy. ADW Lut...@juno.com
----
Victor Sazer.
Francois Fent workid in Paris about1765-91. One of the best French makers
of his time. Studied Italian schools and mad excellent copies of Strads.
Many of his instruments have been sold as Italian originals.
Derek Claussen <D-...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in article
<54oo68$3...@mtinsc01-mgt.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
Archer Sully
"Victor Sazer." <vsa...@earthlink.net> writes:
Of course, more likely you have a generic violin with a label that
says "FENT" on it. Most violins with labels from famous makers are
to be looked at with extreme scepticism.
-- archer