Violin case, double

Date1750-1775

Mediumleather, conifer wood, brass, iron, chamois leather, metallic braid

DimensionsL: 31 1/4", W: 11 1/4", H: 6 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Alexander Mackay-Smith.

Object number1982-206

DescriptionExterior: Of oblong rectangualr plan with elliptical ends; lid with convex tip and straight sides; exterior covered with cross-hatched leather, medium brown, over conifer wood; lid equipped in center with brass bail handle with molded circular backplates; case and lid bordered with evenly-spaced domed brass tacks with traces of gilding; two three-knuckle iron hinges connect lid to case, mounted beneath leather along back; two iron hooks on case along front engage with eyes on lid; brass cabinet lock in center of front with plain rectangular brass plate on case and rectangular brass plate on lid with scrolled upper edge; bottom of case exterior lined with marbled paper.

Interior: Lined with blue chamois leather trimmed with metallic braid; rabbeted edges of case and lid lined with marble paper. Case shaped to fit two violins, the extra spaces serving as storage compartments, four in all. The compartments are fastened by gilded iron hooks (one replaced) engaging eyes. There are two stabilizer bars projecting from the center of the case, between the violin compartments. The lid interior contains two loops and pivot stops, all covered with blue chamois leather, for storage of two bows.Inscription(s)none observedMark(s)none observedProvenanceGift of Alexander Mackay-Smith of Berryville, VA, in 1982.