American Eastlake-style Red-painted Trapezoidal Violin Case, c. 1875

American Eastlake-style Red-painted Trapezoidal Violin Case, c. 1875, the lock stamped SECURE/LEVER, the foliate damask interior, approximate length of back 360 mm, ht. 5, wd. 31 1/2, dp. 9 1/4 in. Provenance: The collection of Dr. Glenn P. Wood. Literature: "Development of Handmade Violin Cases in America during the 19th Century," Journal of the Violin Society of America Papers, Vol. XXIV, No. 2, 2014, p. 10, illustrated. N.B. "Everything about this case is refreshingly different, idiosyncratic, and displaying an emerging American independence from European traits. From its milk paint exterior, to its left hand layout, to its lack of flat surfaces and extraordinary lining sporting marijuana leaf motifs, this case, c. 1875, embodies many design innovations which failed to take root in mainstream case design. As with so many handmade American cases, this one was discovered in Massachusetts and seems to have been conceived by an immigrant struggling to assert an independent style. The trapezoidal shape contemplates only a single bow stored at the bottom of the case which tapers towards the handle, presumably to reduce its total volume." G.P.W. Estimate $200-300 Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.