Emile Germain

History

Emile Germain (1853-1933) was born on July 24, 1853, in Paris, France, the son of Joseph Louis Germain. He began his apprenticeship in Mirecourt in 1865, and by 1867, he had returned to Paris to work alongside his father. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the exact year he succeeded his father's business; The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers and A Dictionary of Violin Makers state 1870, while Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart indicates 1876. He subsequently formed a partnership with Dehommais, who specialized in varnish, a collaboration that lasted until Dehommais's departure from the firm in 1882. Emile Germain continued the business independently thereafter and was honored with a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.

Craft

• Workmanship: Emile Germain was a skilled and prolific violin maker, with A Dictionary of Violin Makers noting he produced more than 500 instruments in a ten-year period, nearly all of which were personal work demonstrating talent and care.
• Model: He developed a personal model distinguished by fine workmanship.
• Varnish: He was known for using a good quality varnish.
• Bows: His bows were generally described as rather heavy.
• Restoration: He possessed considerable experience in the repair of old Italian instruments.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Emile Germain undertook an apprenticeship in Mirecourt starting in 1865.
• Mentorship: He worked under the guidance of his father, Joseph Louis Germain, in Paris from 1867 until his father's death in 1870.

Legacy

• Awards: Emile Germain received a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.

Further Information

• Addresses: Emile Germain conducted his business from two primary locations in Paris: first at 12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, and later at 5 Faubourg Montmartre.
• Branding: His bows were branded with "E. GERMAIN PARIS".
• Labels: Printed labels found on his instruments included "Dehommais et Germain, à Paris / 12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs", "Emile Germain, à Paris / 5 Faubourg Montmartre", and "Emil Germain, a Paris, 5 Faubourg Montmartre, 1888."

Summary

Emile Germain (1853-1933) was a prolific and skilled Parisian violin maker, son of Joseph Louis Germain. He apprenticed in Mirecourt and worked with his father before establishing his own independent business, initially in partnership with Dehommais. Known for his personal model, fine workmanship, good quality varnish, and experience in restoring old Italian instruments, he produced over 500 instruments in a decade. Germain received a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 and operated from addresses including 12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs and 5 Faubourg Montmartre, with his bows branded "E. GERMAIN PARIS".