Violin by Adolf Pfretzschner from 1895. Adolf Pfretzschner was born in Markneukirchen in 1849 as the second son of Carl Gottlob Pfretzschner and his wife Martha (née Ficker). He learned the violin making trade from his brother Carl Friedrich Pfretzschner (III), who was 4 years older. He settled in Stettin, now Szczecin, Poland, in the 1870s. 
 
The instrument shown here was probably exported to the USA in the late 19th or early 20th century and has now, more than 100 years later, found its way back to Germany. The violin is of simple construction, has no corner blocks at the top as was very common at that time and also at the bottom they are only indicated and not solid. It has been opened at least once and unfortunately only moderately professionally repaired. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful relic of times long past and documents the "Pfretzschnersche" violin making tradition.
 
The instrument is not for sale.