Leopold Mozart and Louis Spohr both recommended to their pupils that they prefer vintage violins to new ones.
‘Only old and well-played violins are properly suited for solo playing’ Spohr said in his violin school in 1833. Unfortunately, these instruments were ‘mostly in the hands of rich dilettantes and therefore rare and expensive.’
The trade in vintage stringed instruments dates back to the 18th century. Count Cozio di Salabue (1755-1840) or Luigi Tarisio (1790-1854) were among the first successful dealers in old stringed instruments.
In the 19th century, Paris and London were already the most important centres of trade. Companies like W.E. Hill & Sons (London) or Gand & Bernardel (Paris) attracted customers from far and wide.
In the 20th century, the trade in old, valuable stringed instruments became the most lucrative branch of violin making.