J. A. Co. Baader

History

J. A. Co. Baader was a prominent firm in Mittenwald, Germany. Sources contain conflicting information regarding its founding date; according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, the firm could trace its establishment to 1770, while a label cited by John Dilworth indicates a founding in 1790. The company's operations are noted by John Dilworth to have spanned from approximately 1790 until 1934. The firm's factory production was located at 155 Obere Markstrasse in Mittenwald. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes J. A. Co. Baader as the most significant firm in Mittenwald, alongside Neuner & Hornsteiner. The long-standing owner, Johann Paul Baader, passed away on June 24, 1899, at the age of 89. His successor was Max Baader, born on January 18, 1843. According to Cecie Stainer, the firm was well-known for manufacturing violins at the lowest possible prices and exported instruments globally to regions including America, Switzerland, Russia, and England.

Craft

• Production: The firm manufactured all forms of plucked and bowed instruments, offering various grades from machine-made to hand-crafted, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Quality: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that despite their unusually low prices, the violins produced were quite good, featuring beautiful wood and either oil or spirit varnish. The zithers made by the firm also met stringent requirements.
• Models: Cecie Stainer mentions that some violins made after the Stainer pattern were exhibited in Munich in 1854, and these instruments were praised for their full and beautiful tone.
• Labeling: The firm used labels bearing its company name, as described by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Influence

• Local Employment: A significant portion of the local violin makers in Mittenwald either worked for or were employed by J. A. Co. Baader, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Training and Travel: Max Baader, who succeeded Johann Paul Baader, received his training in the family business and undertook further educational travels throughout Germany, England, and America.
• Skilled Workforce: Max Baader worked with highly skilled individuals, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Legacy

• Royal Warrant Holder: Both Johann Paul Baader and his successor, Max Baader, held the title of Hoflieferant (Royal Warrant Holder), as documented by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Address: The factory production was located at 155 Obere Markstrasse in Mittenwald, Germany, according to John Dilworth.
• Label Inscription: A label from the firm, cited by John Dilworth, reads: "Koniglich Bayerische Hof-Saiteninstrumenten Fabrik / von J. A. Baader & Co. Besitzt Max Baader / Gegrundet 1790 / in Mittenwald a /Isar. Bayern / No.. 18.."
• Exhibitions: Violins made by the firm were exhibited in Munich in 1854, as mentioned by Cecie Stainer.

Summary

J. A. Co. Baader was a prominent and significant firm in Mittenwald, Germany, known for its extensive production of plucked and bowed instruments. Founded around 1770 or 1790, the company operated until at least 1934, with its factory located at 155 Obere Markstrasse. The firm, led by figures such as Johann Paul Baader and later Max Baader, was recognized for producing good quality instruments, including violins and zithers, at competitive prices, and exported them worldwide. Both Johann Paul and Max Baader held the esteemed title of Royal Warrant Holder. The company also played a crucial role in employing many local violin makers in Mittenwald.