A French Violin, labelled 'Ruggielli', Mirecourt, circa 1920

These violins, labelled as being made by the fictitious maker Ruggielli, were manufactured for export, to be sold through Haynes & Co. of London. While made in reasonably large numbers, they are of very nice quality, and tonally they really hold their own against more valuable examples, delivering the clean, clear, and direct sound for which French violins are renowned.