Bernhard Simon Fendt
London, c.1800

Bernhard Simon Fendt was trained by his father of the same name while both were employed at John Betts’ shop in London. The Fendts, together with Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, Betts and Thomas Dodd, encouraged the London trade to shift toward the models of Stradivari and Guarneri as opposed to those of Stainer and Amati.

Fendt father and son worked in a similar style and can be considered two of the best makers of this under-appreciated school. Elegantly crafted on a Stradivari model, this fine example features a rich, red varnish and a sweet, refined tone sure to please discerning ears.