A. E. Smith Violin, Sydney 1915

In this video David Glanville talks about this beautiful 1915 Smith Violin that we have for sale in the store at the moment. If you have any questions please call Ben at The Sydney String Centre on 02 9417 2611 Violin demonstrated by Carla van der Wallen About the maker: Arthur Edward Smith ended a successful engineering career with a famous London firm to become a violinmaker for Jefferies & Son at the age of 20. Whilst employed with the firm he learned the trade of repair and techniques of restoration to musical instruments. Arthur migrated to Australia in 1909 and his first port of call was Melbourne. After a business partnership with fellow violinmaker Carl Rothammer dissolved, Arthur Smith then formed a Company in 1919 known as A.E.SMITH & Co. Pty. Ltd. The firm earned a reputation equal to the finest anywhere in the world. In 1949 he entered a couple of violins and a viola in a competition in the Haig, Netherlands. Amongst the adjudicators were some members of the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers, with whom Arthur was asked to become member. The society certified Arthur a 'Master Luthier' soon thereafter. Arthur Edward Smith was the recognized expert on the authentication of instruments of the violin family in Australia. He also earned a reputation as a violinmaker of exceptional ability and artistry. (extracted from www.smithsviolins.com, author; Deborah Peacock)