Jacob Fendt

History

Jacob Fendt (1815-1849) was the third son of Bernhard S. Fendt (I), born in London around 1815. He was a very talented violin maker who, unfortunately, died early in October 1849 in Blue Anchor Court, Whitecross Street, Finsbury. His life was marked by poverty and illness, a common plight within his family, which significantly impacted his abilities. He frequently worked for dealers, including J. A. Turner in Cornhill and R. Davis (also referred to as W. Davis) in Coventry Street.

Craft

• Workmanship: Jacob Fendt was considered by George Hart to be the best maker among the sons of Bernhard (I). His instruments are described as beautifully finished and free from the 'stereotyped character' often associated with his brother Bernhard's work.
• Imitation: He successfully took Stradivari and Lupot as his role models. His copies of Stradivari instruments are particularly noted as among his best efforts, showcasing well-executed work.
• Artificial Aging: Fendt had a passion for artificially aging his creations, giving them the appearance of greater age. He was exceptionally skilled at counterfeiting the effects of wear and cleverly managing the discoloration of the wood, a technique that George Hart suggests has never been surpassed.
• Branding: Examples bearing his own brand or label are rare and sometimes described as rather crude. He occasionally branded his instruments beneath the fingerboard with 'J. Fendt' Jacob Fent London [BVMA].

Influence

• Mentorship: Jacob Fendt was a pupil of his eldest brother, Bernhard (II).
• Inspiration: He successfully emulated the styles of master makers such as Stradivari and Lupot.

Legacy

• Critical Acclaim: According to George Hart, Jacob Fendt was the most talented maker among Bernhard (I)'s sons. Hart expressed regret that such a consummate workman was compelled to dedicate his energies to making new instruments appear old, rather than creating original work.
• Potential: Hart posited that had Fendt been able to copy the form of old masters without imitating wear, similar to Lupot, his contributions would have been a valuable addition to the stock of instruments, comparable to those of the Panormo class.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He worked for J. A. Turner in Cornhill and for R. Davis (also W. Davis) in Coventry Street.
• Death Location: He died in Blue Anchor Court, Whitecross Street, Finsbury.
• Branding Details: Instruments were occasionally branded beneath the fingerboard: 'J. Fendt' Jacob Fent London [BVMA].

Summary

Jacob Fendt (1815-1849), third son of Bernhard S. Fendt (I), was a highly talented violin maker despite a short life marked by poverty and illness. Considered the most skilled among his brothers by George Hart, he was known for beautifully finished instruments and exceptional imitations of masters like Stradivari and Lupot. Fendt was particularly adept at artificially aging his creations, a skill Hart believed was unsurpassed. He worked for dealers such as J. A. Turner and R. Davis and was a pupil of his elder brother, Bernhard (II). Hart lamented that Fendt's talent was often directed towards counterfeiting wear rather than original work, suggesting his potential was comparable to makers of the Panormo class.