Giustino Dal Canto 16.5in Viola 1973 Signed

A fine viola labeled:
Giustino Dal Canto (G.D.C)i
in Castelfranco di Sotto (Pisa) 1973

A lovely viola with some varnish ware suitable for advanced players/professionals the bridge is fine as are the fittings. No open cracks or seams in playing condition could use new set of strings 'D' is missing. The other strings C, G and A are worn.
Top is a spruce two piece slab of fine to medium fine grain even and parallel. Back is a two piece quarter cut slab of maple with high flames. Ribs neck and boldly cut scroll are of similar timbers. Pegs turn fine and all fittings are a boxwood with brass hardware. Bridge apears to be original and of solid fine grain spruce.
Viola measures at 16.5 in 42 cm.
The varnish has some damage more so on the top and could use some work overall oil and has had some heat damage and during shipping. The back has also a large patch of original varnish ware but is overall solid on the ribs and scroll. Beautiful orange golden reddish huge with a yellow gold undertone.
The tone is robust and suitable for chamber and soloist work. The varnish is mostly cosmetic and does not affect the playability of the instrument.
No paperwork or claims of authenticity instrument is sold as is and as described. Possibly a copy not much later than is labeled 1973 as there appears to be genuine ware on the instrument. We are unable to confirm it's origin but it was purchased by the consigners father decades ago in Italy around the area where the maker was working at the time. Thus it is sold as a copy as no third party confirmation of the makers work has been documented. No certificate by the maker or by expert has been issued for this piece. Nevertheless we believe it to be a fine work and suitable for professional setting or advancing student or serious enthusiasts.
Giustino Dal Canto (1902–?) was an esteemed Italian instrument maker born in Gemenos, France, who built fine violins, cellos, violas, guitars, and mandolins.
Background and Career

• Early Life: Born in southern France in 1902, he moved to Italy at a young age.
• Workshop Location: He established his workshop in Castelfranco di Sotto, in the province of Pisa, Italy.
• Instruments: He crafted hundreds of stringed instruments throughout his career. His work is known for an elegant aesthetic, golden-orange varnish, and a robust, ringing tone quality.
• Legacy: His pieces—such as those dated from the 1920s through the 1980s—are sought after by advanced students and professional musicians today. You can view auction history and archival records for his works through the Tarisio Cozio Archive.