click picture to enlarge Label: Albin L. Paulus jr. Violin-Maker Trade-Mark to the Royal Court at Saxony. Markneukirchen, Saxony. Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 17- Albin Ludwig Paulus Jr. was born in 1866 and studied under Dölling. He established his own workshop at Markneukirchen in 1890. His son Kurt assisted his dad in the workshop as they made Cremonese models of violins and violas, with oil varnish. The varnish is beautiful and shows real playing wear and patina. This is a neat historical viola, easily 125 years old, and an excellent example of Paulus and Markneukirchen work. The viola is finished in ebony fittings. There is a restored saddle split on the bass side lower bout. We have also done some minor touch up work on the corners, edges, and back plate of the viola. The top plate has a medium-width grain spruce at the center seams and broadens quite a bit towards the flanks. The maple back is moderately flamed and the ribs, neck, and scroll all match the degree and width of the flame. The scroll does have a number etched into it (173). This occurred long before we acquired the instrument. I decided to leave it as is and not carve the numbers off. The viola has gentle arching, much akin to Stradivarius arching. The lower arching aids the instrument to generate power and drive in the sound. Corpus 413.0 mm., Major Width 236.0 mm., Minor Width 187.0 mm., Rib Height 35.0 mm. Vibrating Length 371.0 mm. The viola has a depth of power and a very nice sustain. I love the bottom end depth and warmth while the treble side in the instrument carries extremely well, having focus, clarity, and a slight reediness to the sound. In short, this viola has it. Power, depth of sound, and tonal colors that violists love. The viola has great age, character, classic look, and was well played by a professional or two over the years. The viola is a fantastic size and is set up with Evah Golds- Wow!