A photo of the label:
Supplied with a certificate of authenticity by
Jean Jacques Rampal
Expert Près La Cour d'Appel de Paris.
A very fine quality violin by Emile Marcel Français who was the son of Henri Francais. He joined Caressa & Francais (Henri) in 1920 and continued after Caressa's retirement in 1938 as Emile Francais until his death. This splendid example of his work was made in Paris in 1944 especially for Pierre Chappuis who won first prize at the Conservatoire, it was presented to him in 1945. The violin carries the makers brand inside on the top and bottom plates and a dedication to Pierre Chappuis along with a transfer on the rib of each C bout. In beautiful condition, one repaired scratch upper right bout but otherwise virtually unmarked. A lovely rich lyrical tone, good bass strength and a clear sweet treble sound. A great violin for players and collectors!
