Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin I was born in Mirecourt in 1841 and moved to Paris in 1867. At the Paris International Exhibition of 1878 & 1889 he received the silver medal, and gold in 1900, for which his son Collin Mezzin II (1870-1934) was named collaborator.

This Parisian violin from 1923 was made by Collin-Mezin II in the style of his father, with whom he collaborated until his death that very year. The family firm would relocate back to Mirecourt in 1925 and continued into the third generation, led by ‘Charleym Collin Mezin III (b. 1910) and Jean Larcher. Collin-Mezin signatures inside, with “CM -Extra” indicated on the label, indicating their highest level production. A beautiful example of French workmanship with gorgeously chosen materials, altogether demonstrating exactly why the Collin-Mezin name has been not only so well respected but also highly desirable for over 150 years now. 

At 100 years of age, this violin presents in good condition, with minor wear commensurate with professional use, and only a small wing crack to the lower eye of the treble f hole to speak of. 358mm back length. I just can’t speak highly enough about this violin.