Menu

Franz Geissenhof

Known as the ‘Viennese Stradivari’, Franz Geissenhof was born in Füssen in 1753, and from 1772 was taught by Johann Georg Thir in Vienna, whose business he succeeded to in 1781. His earliest recorded work is from 1779, and in his first period he stayed loyal to the Tyrolean Stainer form. From 1800 he began to work on Stradivari models and ideas, and improved the rather thin dark brown varnishes he employed before. Maggini models with doubled purfling are also known. Often branded F.G. on the back button, his work has been much imitated, and his labels and brand are found on very inferior copies. He retired in about 1817, and died in 1821.

Franz Geissenhof

(b Füssen, 1753; d Vienna, 1821)

Known as the ‘Viennese Stradivari’, Franz Geissenhof was born in Füssen in 1753, and from 1772 was taught by Johann Georg Thir in Vienna, whose business he succeeded to in 1781. His earliest recorded work is from 1779, and in his first period he stayed loyal to the Tyrolean Stainer form. From 1800 he began to work on Stradivari models and ideas, and improved the rather thin dark brown varnishes he employed before. Maggini models with doubled purfling are also known. Often branded F.G. on the back button, his work has been much imitated, and his labels and brand are... Read more

Instruments we have sold by this maker

Looking to Buy or Sell an Instrument by this Maker?

Selling with Ingles & Hayday

We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers...

More Information

Buying at Ingles & Hayday

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price for your instrument or bow...

Enquire

Written Valuations & Certificates

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. In the first instance, we suggest submitting good-quality images to us, preferably by email to info@ingleshayday.com or by completing the valuation form.

Read more

    Buying at Ingles & Hayday

    We hold two auctions a year at Sotheby’s in London, generally in March and October. We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. Please contact us for more information.

    Back to Notable Sales