Heinrich Theodore Heberlein Jr (1843-1909) studied with his father, Carl August Heberlein (1805-1879) before moving to Leipzig to work under the auspices of Ludwig Bausch. After which, he entered the employ of August Reicher in Hannover before opening his own atelier in Markneukirchen. Heinrich Theodore Jr was the third luthier of the family dynasty which began with Johann Gottlob Heberlein (1782-1856) and led his workshop to great commercial success, with Rembert Wurlitzer as his sole distributer to the United States. He taught at the violin making school in Markneukirchen and passed leadership of the family workshop to his two sons, Paul Wilhelm and Albert Theodore Heinrich Jr. The family workshop continued producing excellent instruments that remain highly desirable till the onset of World War II, with the younger brother continuing to work independently into the 1970’s.

This 395 of 15.5” viola is an excellent example from the Heberlein atelier dated 1922 with a robust, commanding voice which belies its smaller size.