A wonderful violin by the famous Brighton based firm W. H. Tibbalds and Sons.  This firm was established in 1879 and was eventually bought by Albert Cooper of Winchester;
 
"I was called in to clear up the estate of the well know Brighton firm of W.H. Tibbalds after the sad demise of Bert Tibbalds. Lodged behind the work bench was a bow by J.B. Vuillaume, it had obviously been there a long time, probably lost during the war years. More out of respect for the family, and with their permission,
I decided to keep this fine example of French work."  This became the very start of the magnificent collection of instruments owned by Albert Cooper and provided the financial basis for the Albert Cooper Musical Charitable Trust a wonderful resource for budding young musician who can apply for generous grants to help fund tuition or the purchase of an instrument. 
 
This is a lovely violin the back made from a beautiful single piece of flamed maple.  Beautifully constructed the tone is bright and complex with some excellent, rich overtones.  It would make a great companion to a progressing student.  
 
We had a customer visit the shop who was 98 years old and he remembers purchasing his first instrument from Mr. Tibbalds in Brighton when he was a young lad. He remarked that Mr. Tibbalds was a very nice chap!