e Violins signed and dated 1511, 1517, 1519.
I saw, about the year 1877, one of these, and was informed by the
owner that the others were almost identical. The instrument bore
distinct evidence of its being a modern French imitation, or rather an
ingenious creation evolved from a myth, which in all probability had
its origin in France. Duiffoprugcar was unquestionably an artist of a
high order, but his abilities appear to have been chiefly directed to
the art of wood-inlaying, rather than to the making of stringed
instruments. He made Viols da Gamba, and he may have made smaller
Viols, though I am not aware of any being in existence; but there is
no evidence whatever to show that he made Violins.

FARINATO, Paolo, Venice, 1695-1725.

FICKER, Johann Christian, Cremona, middle of the 18th century.
Although dating from Cremona, has nothing in common with Cremonese
work.

FICKER, Johann Gottlieb, Cremona, 1788.

FIORILLO, Giovanni, Ferrara, 1780. The style is a mixture of German
and Italian, the former preponderating. The sound-hole is an imitation
of that of Stainer. His Violoncellos are among his best instruments.

FIORINO, Fiorenzi, Bologna, about 1685.

FREI, Hans, Bologna, 1597. Lute and Viol-maker. There is an instrument
of this make at the Bologna Academy of Music. It is probable there was
a family connection between Hans Frey, of Nuremberg, and this maker.

GABRIELLI, Giovanni Battista, Florence, about the middle of the 18th
century.

Gio Battista Gabrielli, fece in
Firenze, 17--

Johanes Baptista de Gabriellis,
Florentinus fecit 1742.

The instruments of Gabrielli are now becoming better known and
appreciated. They bear evident marks of having been made with extreme
care. The model, unfortunately, is often not all that could be
desired, being too rounded. When this is not the case, the tone is
excellent. The wood is mostly very handsome, and the sides and backs
evenly marked. The varnish is wanting in mellowness, but is very
transparent; its colour is chiefly yellow. The Tenors and Violoncellos
are superior to the Violins. The scroll is neatly cut, but weak in
design. The letters G. B. G. were often branded on the instruments of
Gabrielli.

GABRIELLI. Other makers of this name (Antonio, Bartolommeo,
Cristoforo) appear to have dated from Florence.

GAFFINO, Giuseppe, Paris, about 1755. Pupil of Castagneri.

GAGLIANO, Alessandro, Naples, 1695-1730.

Alexandrus Gagliano Alumnus