Charles Francis (I) Albert

ALBERT, Charles Francis (I) Born 1842 Freiburg Germany, died 1901 Philadelphia USA. Violin and bow maker. Son of John Albert, below. Emigrated to the USA 1854. Worked for his father before establishing his own business as a violin maker and restorer in 1865. Considered among the finest US makers and restorers of the period. Succeeded by his son Charles Francis Albert jr. Stradivari and Guarneri models, often using locally sourced woods. Many later instruments imported unvarnished from European factories and hand finished. Violins branded internally: ‘C. F. Albert, Philada’. Also made bows, branded: C. F. ALBERT Charles F. Albert / Philadelphia fecit Anno 18.. C.J.A.