Rare Antique Robert Baillie Scottish Fiddle 1874 with GSB Case

Now this is interesting...

This antique violin was made in 1874 by Robert Baillie. Baillie was born in 1811 in Penicuik, a town and former burgh in Midlothian, Scotland, lying on the west bank of the River North Esk.

He was a violin player of average ability. However his son, also named Robert Baillie, was considered the family genius and studied and played the violin since childhood. It was widely thought that he could take the first violin in any orchestra. Robert, the younger, was also a composer and conductor and received a degree of renown and was published.

This instrument was made by Robert Baillie, the elder, and is signed inside of the body "Robert Baillie, Maker '74". He is known to have made "several violins". It is in fair overall condition with no cracks. The sound post is in need of replacement and the fingerboard as well.

The case is a very nice late 19th century GSB bentwood case in very good original condition. This piece is in as found condition and is in need of restoration.

The pictures tell the rest of the story...