A prized instrument from a local professional. Exquisite sound. The condition is as pictured, our techs evaluated the condition inside and out and found nothing needing repair. One of the brass diamond inserts on a tuning peg is missing but it does not affect functionality. The original matching tailpiece was swapped out at some point 20+ years ago for unknown reasons but it is included in the sale. No bow is included but a nice har case is.

KUNKEL, Dr Lloyd N. Born 1897 Missouri, Worked circa. 1914-1972 Weeping Water, Oregon USA. Musician and medical doctor. Self-taught violin maker. About 120 violins on Guarneri and Stradivari ‘Messie’ violin models; 20 violas on personal and Tertis models.

Lloyd Kunkel’s label gives us a beautiful glimpse into the life of an amateur maker who treated his violin making as seriously as his primary career. While serving as a medical officer during World War II, Kunkel spent some of his time stationed in Italy. During his deployment, he rediscovered his boyhood interest in violins and perhaps, while in Italy, was exposed to instruments and instrument makers that inspired him. This violin, dated 1949, would have been among the first that he made upon his return home with his newfound knowledge and inspiration from his time in Europe.

I imagine that mentioning his credentials as a physician and surgeon elevated the perception of his fine motor skills. Sadly, the inverse – calling oneself a luthier on the window of a medical office - might be bad for business…