Charles Jean Baptiste Collin
Mirecourt, Paris, Paris late, 1841–1923
Charles Jean Baptiste Collin (1841-1923), also known as MÉZIN or COLLIN-MÉZIN, was a prominent French luthier born in Mirecourt and active in Paris. The son and pupil of Claude Nicolas Collin, he also received training from a member of the Vuillaume family. Establishing his workshop in Paris around 1867-1868, he became known as a successful maker and restorer, crafting instruments based on Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati models with excellent wood and beautifully finished work. He was highly acclaimed, earning numerous awards in Paris, including a Grand Prix at the 1900 Exposition Universelle, and was honored as 'Officier d'Academie des Beaux-Arts' in 1884. His instruments are identifiable by internal stamps and detailed printed labels, though some factory instruments bear his name.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
354 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1894 c. | — | December 2011 | £2,400 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1885 | — | December 2011 | £4,560 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1946 | — | December 2011 | £1,374 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1952 | — | December 2011 | £850 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1937 | — | December 2011 | £1,275 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1885 | — | December 2011 | £3,288 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1900 pour l exposition universelle | — | December 2011 | £4,227 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1897 | — | December 2011 | £4,439 |
| Cello | 75.4 cm Paris, 1889 | — | November 2011 | £18,796 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1906 n°24 | — | October 2011 | £2,196 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1892 | — | October 2011 | £5,250 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm | — | October 2011 | £5,520 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1928 Workshop of | — | July 2011 | £1,616 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1900 | — | June 2011 | £4,800 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1895 | — | June 2011 | £3,600 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 56.0 g. without hair Probably by | — | May 2011 | £1,457 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1920, No. 17 (?) | — | April 2011 | £3,767 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Attributed to | — | March 2011 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1929 n°644 | — | March 2011 | £1,440 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1887 n°2989 | — | March 2011 | £7,500 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1884 | — | March 2011 | £7,500 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1906 n°83 | — | March 2011 | £667 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1894 | — | December 2010 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1953 | — | October 2010 | £1,562 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1953 | — | October 2010 | £1,265 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1888 | — | October 2010 | £4,200 |
| Cello | 75.7 cm Mirecourt, 1893 Attributed to | — | October 2010 | £1,920 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1886 | — | October 2010 | £4,375 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1898 | — | September 2010 | £2,160 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 20th C. | — | June 2010 | £259 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1902 | — | June 2010 | £1,200 |
| Cello | 75.5 cm Paris, 1900 | — | June 2010 | £14,400 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1899 | — | June 2010 | £3,360 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm | — | June 2010 | £1,320 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1930 n°372 | — | June 2010 | £1,657 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1900-1910 c. | — | June 2010 | £1,553 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1890 c. Workshop of | — | April 2010 | £2,750 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1895 | — | March 2010 | £4,000 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1887 | — | February 2010 | £4,234 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1910 c. | — | December 2009 | £1,320 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1948 | — | December 2009 | £1,251 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1921 | — | December 2009 | £1,850 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Mirecourt, 1952 n°43 | — | December 2009 | £870 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1926 n°324 | — | December 2009 | £762 |
| Violin | 36.4 cm Paris, 1877 | — | December 2009 | £2,720 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1900 | — | December 2009 | £6,311 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60.5 g. | — | October 2009 | £1,038 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | October 2009 | £900 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Mirecourt, 1898 Workshop of | — | October 2009 | £1,582 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1884 | — | October 2009 | £4,560 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1893 | — | October 2009 | £3,360 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1894 (scroll blemish) | — | October 2009 | £6,600 |
| Cello | 75.6 cm Paris, 1888 | — | October 2009 | £11,122 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | June 2009 | £864 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1921 | — | June 2009 | £2,400 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1890 | — | June 2009 | £4,320 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1885 c. | — | June 2009 | £3,526 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1880 | — | June 2009 | £4,978 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1909 et vendu en 1910 | — | June 2009 | £2,385 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1884 | — | June 2009 | £6,742 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1884, after "Del Gesu" | — | March 2009 | £4,560 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | March 2009 | £2,400 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1891 | — | March 2009 | £4,375 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1892 | — | March 2009 | £5,250 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1926 n°262 | — | March 2009 | £2,019 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1925 c. n°191 | — | March 2009 | £1,094 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1931 | — | March 2009 | £2,188 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1907 n°27 | — | March 2009 | £4,207 |
| Cello | Mirecourt, 1920 c. | — | March 2009 | £5,049 |
| Viola | 39.2 cm | — | February 2009 | £2,656 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1900 c. Workshop of | — | February 2009 | £3,064 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1906 c. Workshop of | — | February 2009 | £2,247 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1899 | — | December 2008 | £5,119 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 71 g. | — | November 2008 | £2,395 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1902 | — | November 2008 | £1,796 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1889 | — | November 2008 | £1,996 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm 1952 'Le Victorieux', #74 | — | November 2008 | £1,165 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm 1883 | — | November 2008 | £4,080 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1893 | — | November 2008 | £4,800 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm [Made by Alfred Moritz) | — | October 2008 | £1,669 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Paris, 1929 | — | August 2008 | £1,730 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Workshop of | — | June 2008 | £1,236 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62.5 g. | — | June 2008 | £506 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1925 | — | June 2008 | £1,619 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1888 | — | June 2008 | £2,502 |
| Violin | 34.7 cm 1906 Small Size | — | June 2008 | £1,800 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1885 | — | June 2008 | £2,400 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1898 | — | June 2008 | £3,714 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1891 | — | June 2008 | £5,106 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1911 | — | June 2008 | £2,785 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1910/1920 c. | — | June 2008 | £371 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm 1934 | — | April 2008 | £1,143 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1929 "Le Victorieux" model | — | March 2008 | £994 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1888 | — | March 2008 | £2,500 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1887 | — | March 2008 | £4,000 |
| Cello | 75.6 cm 1887 | — | March 2008 | £13,200 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm 1894 | — | March 2008 | £4,080 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1899 | — | March 2008 | £4,080 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1882 | — | March 2008 | £3,411 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1889 | — | March 2008 | £3,999 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1934? Workshop | — | March 2008 | £1,353 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1947 | — | December 2007 | £1,021 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1919 | — | December 2007 | £2,127 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1935 | — | December 2007 | £936 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1922 Experimental bar | — | December 2007 | £936 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1910 | — | December 2007 | £3,574 |
| Violin | 36.2 cm 1881 | — | November 2007 | £3,000 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1886 | — | November 2007 | £3,960 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60.5 g. Mirecourt, 1910 c. | — | October 2007 | £584 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Workshop of | — | October 2007 | £1,856 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Mirecourt, 1907 | — | October 2007 | £2,427 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2007 | £5,000 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1900 | — | October 2007 | £3,125 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1890 | — | October 2007 | £5,250 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1882 | — | October 2007 | £3,426 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1922 | — | September 2007 | £2,880 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm 1910 c. | — | September 2007 | £1,920 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1887 | — | July 2007 | £3,840 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1946 | — | June 2007 | £962 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1935 c. | — | June 2007 | £802 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1947, #58 | — | June 2007 | £1,283 |
| Cello | 75.8 cm Paris, 1930 c. | — | May 2007 | £6,934 |
| Cello | 75.9 cm Paris, 1913 | — | May 2007 | £9,823 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1905 | — | November 2006 | £1,085 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1928 | — | October 2006 | £1,410 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2006 | £3,158 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1895 | — | October 2006 | £2,911 |
| Cello | Paris, 1894 | — | July 2006 | £10,800 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1890 c. | — | July 2006 | £600 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1882 | — | June 2006 | £4,680 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1885-1890 c. | — | June 2006 | £3,723 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1907 (different restorations) | — | June 2006 | £809 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1935, n°17 | — | June 2006 | £1,862 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1911 (soundpost crack) | — | June 2006 | £971 |
| Violin | 34.9 cm Paris, 1920 c. | — | June 2006 | £2,024 |
| Cello | 75.8 cm Paris, 1950 "Le Victorieux" model | — | May 2006 | £4,905 |
| Cello | 75.3 cm Paris, 1889 | — | May 2006 | £22,994 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1896 | — | May 2006 | £3,679 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1925 | — | May 2006 | £1,993 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1928 | — | May 2006 | £2,453 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1888 | — | April 2006 | £3,840 |
| Viola | 39.6 cm 1889 | — | February 2006 | £3,360 |
| Bass | Mirecourt, 1928 | — | December 2005 | £3,592 |
| Violin | Paris, 1877 | — | December 2005 | £1,996 |
| Violin | 1920 c. | — | December 2005 | £1,596 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1928 #531 | — | November 2005 | £883 |
| Violin | Paris, 1899 "Exposition Univers Paris 1900" | — | November 2005 | £4,560 |
| Violin | Paris, 1900 "Exposition Univers Paris 1900" | — | November 2005 | £3,840 |
| Violin | Paris, 1895 | — | November 2005 | £2,684 |
| Violin | Paris, 1910 | — | November 2005 | £2,211 |
| Cello | Paris, 1900 | — | November 2005 | £15,762 |
| Cello | Paris, 1910 c. | — | October 2005 | £3,144 |
| Cello | Paris, 1899 | — | June 2005 | £18,594 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1932 #212 | — | June 2005 | £1,345 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1942 #658 | — | June 2005 | £1,187 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1930 #339 | — | June 2005 | £1,029 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1937 #18 | — | June 2005 | £475 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1921 | — | June 2005 | £1,771 |
| Violin | Paris, 1900 | — | June 2005 | £2,532 |
| Violin | Paris | — | May 2005 | £2,400 |
| Cello | Paris, 1887 | — | May 2005 | £16,800 |
| Violin | Paris, 1891 | — | May 2005 | £5,400 |
| Violin | Paris, late-19th C. | — | May 2005 | £1,800 |
| Violin | Paris, 1913 | — | May 2005 | £969 |
| Violin | Paris, 1926 | — | May 2005 | £2,900 |
| Violin | 1925 | — | April 2005 | £940 |
| Violin | — | March 2005 | £3,360 | |
| Violin | Paris, 1926 | — | March 2005 | £1,080 |
| Cello | Paris, 1876 | — | November 2004 | £13,200 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 52 g. without hair Possibly by "Louis Morizot" | — | October 2004 | £1,195 |
| Violin | Paris, 1885 | — | July 2004 | £4,200 |
| Violin | Paris, 1897 | — | July 2004 | £2,749 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | May 2004 | £1,315 |
| Violin | 1919 | — | May 2004 | £1,791 |
| Violin | Paris, 1889 | — | May 2004 | £4,504 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | March 2004 | £2,640 |
| Violin | Paris, 1899 | — | March 2004 | £1,075 |
| Violin | Paris, 1890 | — | March 2004 | £1,912 |
| Violin | Paris, 1895 | — | March 2004 | £1,912 |
| Violin | Paris, 1905 | — | March 2004 | £2,160 |
| Violin | #338 | — | March 2004 | £1,548 |
| Violin | 1905 7/8 Size | — | December 2003 | £2,061 |
| Violin | 1896 | — | December 2003 | £3,958 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | — | November 2003 | £1,800 |
| Violin | 34.7 cm 1900 | — | November 2003 | £1,920 |
| Cello | 1903 | — | November 2003 | £10,575 |
| Violin | 1896 | — | November 2003 | £2,350 |
| Violin | 1929 | — | October 2003 | £2,205 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | July 2003 | £3,407 |
| Violin | 1896 | — | July 2003 | £2,685 |
| Cello | 1920 c. | — | June 2003 | £9,166 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | May 2003 | £2,944 |
| Violin | 1908 | — | May 2003 | £2,644 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | — | March 2003 | £1,560 |
| Violin | 1925 | — | December 2002 | £1,816 |
| Violin | 1906 | — | December 2002 | £1,740 |
| Violin | 1918 | — | December 2002 | £1,135 |
| Violin | 1912 | — | November 2002 | £1,380 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | November 2002 | £4,182 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | November 2002 | £4,140 |
| Violin | 1926 | — | November 2002 | £1,150 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | November 2002 | £2,600 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | November 2002 | £1,350 |
| Violin | 1895 | — | October 2002 | £4,207 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | October 2002 | £4,168 |
| Cello | 1905 | — | June 2002 | £13,145 |
| Violin | 1882 | — | June 2002 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | June 2002 | £1,150 |
| Violin | 1929 | — | June 2002 | £1,256 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | June 2002 | £1,099 |
| Violin | 1897 | — | June 2002 | £3,774 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | March 2002 | £1,926 |
| Violin | 1883 | — | March 2002 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 1920 | — | December 2001 | £2,175 |
| Violin | 1922 | — | December 2001 | £1,796 |
| Violin | 1922 | — | December 2001 | £17 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 65 g. | — | November 2001 | £1,037 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | November 2001 | £2,386 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | November 2001 | £3,700 |
| Violin | 1929 | — | November 2001 | £1,994 |
| Violin | 1923 | — | October 2001 | £2,270 |
| Violin | 1877 | — | June 2001 | £4,340 |
| Violin | 1908 | — | June 2001 | £1,784 |
| Violin | 1908 | — | May 2001 | £1,950 |
| Violin | 1920 | — | May 2001 | £1,248 |
| Cello | 1888 | — | May 2001 | £12,325 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 82 g. | — | March 2001 | £998 |
| Viola | 41.0 cm 1895 c. | — | March 2001 | £1,762 |
| Violin | 1910 | — | March 2001 | £1,997 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | March 2001 | £1,880 |
| Violin | 1910 | — | March 2001 | £1,410 |
| Violin | 1910 | — | March 2001 | £3,105 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | March 2001 | £1,840 |
| Violin | 1910 | — | December 2000 | £1,835 |
| Violin | 1920 | — | December 2000 | £1,019 |
| Violin | 1925 | — | December 2000 | £1,019 |
| Violin | 1944 | — | December 2000 | £866 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | November 2000 | £1,057 |
| Violin | 1928 | — | November 2000 | £1,560 |
| Violin | 1889 | — | November 2000 | £3,680 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | November 2000 | £3,680 |
| Violin | 1891 | — | November 2000 | £3,335 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | November 2000 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1923 | — | November 2000 | £1,627 |
| Violin | 1926 | — | November 2000 | £1,239 |
| Violin | 1943 | — | November 2000 | £930 |
| Violin | 1906 | — | November 2000 | £1,798 |
| Viola | 36.0 cm 1896 | — | September 2000 | £1,725 |
| Violin | 1904 | — | July 2000 | £1,080 |
| Violin | 1907 | — | June 2000 | £3,220 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | May 2000 | £1,760 |
| Violin | 1924 | — | May 2000 | £1,247 |
| Violin | 1889 | — | May 2000 | £1,221 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | March 2000 | £3,220 |
| Violin | 1908 | — | March 2000 | £2,530 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | March 2000 | £1,955 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | March 2000 | £2,300 |
| Violin | 1936 | — | December 1999 | £708 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | November 1999 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | November 1999 | £1,035 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | September 1999 | £1,000 |
| Violin | 1895 c. | — | September 1999 | £780 |
| Violin | 1899 | — | June 1999 | £1,725 |
| Violin | 1923 | — | June 1999 | £1,265 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | June 1999 | £920 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | June 1999 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1912 | — | June 1999 | £1,495 |
| Violin | 1887 | — | June 1999 | £1,450 |
| Violin | 1914 | — | June 1999 | £1,192 |
| Violin | 1927 | — | June 1999 | £715 |
| Violin | 1928 | — | May 1999 | £1,688 |
| Violin | 1994 | — | May 1999 | £2,040 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1999 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 1922 | — | March 1999 | £1,092 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1999 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | March 1999 | £3,375 |
| Violin | 1899 | — | December 1998 | £1,353 |
| Violin | 1922 | — | December 1998 | £518 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | November 1998 | £1,265 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | November 1998 | £2,185 |
| Violin | 19-- | — | November 1998 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | November 1998 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1891 | — | November 1998 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | November 1998 | £2,148 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | November 1998 | £2,563 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | October 1998 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 1940 | — | July 1998 | £1,380 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | June 1998 | £1,380 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | — | June 1998 | £460 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | June 1998 | £3,220 |
| Violin | 1899 | — | June 1998 | £1,380 |
| Violin | 1938 | — | June 1998 | £469 |
| Violin | 1883 | — | April 1998 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1891 | — | April 1998 | £2,185 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | April 1998 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 1889 | — | March 1998 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1998 | £3,174 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1998 | £2,645 |
| Violin | 1920 | — | March 1998 | £1,495 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60 g. | — | November 1997 | £1,725 |
| Violin | 1928 | — | November 1997 | £977 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | November 1997 | £3,680 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | November 1997 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1889 | — | November 1997 | £2,415 |
| Violin | 1891 | — | November 1997 | £2,185 |
| Violin | 1895 c. | — | November 1997 | £1,840 |
| Violin | 1922 | — | August 1997 | £978 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | July 1997 | £1,955 |
| Violin | 1897 | — | July 1997 | £2,000 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | May 1997 | £2,400 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 66 g. | — | March 1997 | £2,300 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | March 1997 | £3,335 |
| Cello | 1888 | — | March 1997 | £13,800 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | March 1997 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | March 1997 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1997 | £2,760 |
| Violin | — | March 1997 | £2,300 | |
| Violin | 1889 | — | March 1997 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | March 1997 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | March 1997 | £1,840 |
| Violin | 1927 | — | March 1997 | £1,035 |
| Cello | 1896 | — | June 1996 | £13,800 |
| Cello | 1889 | — | March 1996 | £17,250 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | — | October 1995 | £1,380 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 65 g. | — | June 1995 | £1,495 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | June 1995 | £1,495 |
| Cello | 1919 | — | June 1995 | £9,775 |
| Viola | 35.9 cm 1893 | — | June 1995 | £3,220 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 70 g. | — | March 1995 | £1,610 |
| Cello | 1898 | — | March 1995 | £4,830 |
| Viola | 39.4 cm 1889 | — | November 1994 | £3,910 |
| Viola | 39.1 cm 1891 | — | June 1994 | £4,830 |
| Cello | 1902 | — | June 1994 | £9,430 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | March 1994 | £1,495 |
| Cello | 1895 | — | March 1994 | £20,700 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 53 g. | — | November 1993 | £935 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | November 1993 | £805 |
| Violin Bow | G/E 59 g. | — | June 1993 | £2,530 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | April 1993 | £977 |
| Cello | 1899 | — | November 1992 | £7,150 |
| Cello | 1897 | — | September 1992 | £4,394 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | July 1992 | £660 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | November 1991 | £605 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60 g. | — | November 1991 | £825 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 64 g. | — | November 1990 | £660 |
| Violin | 1913 | — | July 1990 | £1,835 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 70 g. | — | June 1990 | £1,100 |
| Viola | 39.1 cm 1886 | — | June 1988 | £2,420 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 76 g. | — | June 1987 | £660 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 72 g. | — | March 1986 | £364 |
| Viola | 39.5 cm 1899 | — | November 1985 | £2,420 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 68 g. | — | April 1985 | £418 |
| Violin | 1914 | — | April 1985 | £660 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 75 g. | — | September 1984 | £330 |
No results match those filters.
Maker Overview
Life
Charles Jean Baptiste Collin (1841-1923) was born in Mirecourt on November 12, 1841, the son of Claude Nicolas Collin.
Sources contain conflicting information regarding his early training; John Dilworth states he was a pupil of N. F. Vuillaume in Brussels, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he worked with Cl. Fr. Vuillaume, and Cecie Stainer indicates he first worked under his father in Mirecourt.
He established himself in Paris, with sources again providing slightly different dates for his arrival; John Dilworth states he was established from 1867 at 8-14 rue de Faubourg Poissoniere, while Cecie Stainer reports he settled in Paris in 1868 in the rue Faubourg Poissonniere.
He later moved to no.10 in 1876 and subsequently to no.29 on the same street, though Lütgendorff notes he always resided in the Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière.
Collin was recognized as a successful repairer and maker, with Lütgendorff considering him one of the best Parisian violin makers, and Cecie Stainer describing him as a very clever restorer of old instruments who increasingly focused on crafting new ones.
He died in Paris in 1923.
Characteristics
- Models
- Charles Jean Baptiste Collin based his instruments on models by Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati.
- Varnish
- He typically used a hard spirit varnish, which was usually of a golden or light red-brown color.
- Wood Quality
- His instruments are noted for their excellent wood quality.
- Workmanship
- His work is described as beautifully finished.
- Production
- It is noted that many poorer quality factory instruments have been attributed to Collin-Mézin.
- Ch. J. B. Collin-Mézin
Luthier
Grand Prix – Exposition Universelle 1900
Paris
Modèle .. Sélection.. No..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Parentage: He was the son and pupil of Claude Nicolas Collin.
- Mentorship: Sources indicate he was a pupil of N. F. Vuillaume in Brussels, or worked with Cl. Fr. Vuillaume.
- Awards: Collin received numerous awards, including prizes in Paris in 1878, 1879, 1889, and 1900. Specific accolades include gold and silver medals in Paris in 1878 for the beautiful varnish and remarkable tone of his violins, a gold medal in Paris in 1879, and a silver medal in 1889. He was also well represented at the 1900 Paris exhibition.
- Honors: In 1884, he was honored as 'Officier d'Academie des Beaux-Arts' or received the academic palm for fine arts.
- Testimonials: The renowned violinist Joseph Joachim provided him with a glowing testimonial.
Further Information
- Internal Stamp: Instruments are typically stamped internally beside the soundpost with 'Collin-Mezin'.
- Labels (General): He used printed labels, to which he added his autograph since 1879.
- Labels (1868-1876): Labels from this period read: 'Longueur : 9 cent, hauteur: 2 cent. Ch. J. B. Collin-Mezin fils. luthier, Paris, Tan 1870'.
- Labels (1876 Onward): Labels from 1876 onward read: 'Longueur : 9 cent, hauteur 3, Ch. J. B. Collin-Mezin fils, luthier a Paris, rue du Faubg. Poissonniere 10.'.
- Labels (Exposition Universelle 1900): A specific printed label includes: 'Ch. J. B. Collin-Mézin / Luthier / Grand Prix - Exposition Universelle 1900 / Paris / Modèle .. Sélection.. No..'.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
COLLIN, Charles Jean-Baptiste, known as MÉZIN (COLLIN-MÉZIN) Born 1841 Mirecourt, died 1923 Paris France. Son of Claude Nicolas Collin, below. Pupil of N. F. Vuillaume in Brussels. Established at 8-14 rue de Faubourg Poissoniere, Paris from 1867. Moved to no.10 1876 and later to no.29. Successful repairer and maker. Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati models. Awards and prizes in Paris 1878, 1879, 1889, and 1900. Honoured as ‘Officier d’Academie des Beaux-Arts’1884. Hard spirit varnish usually of golden or light red-brown colour. Many poorer quality factory instruments have been given the name of Collin-Mezzin. Stamped internally beside the soundpost: ‘Collin-Mezin’. Printed label: Ch. J. B. Collin-Mézin / Luthier / Grand Prix – Exposition Universelle 1900 / Paris / Modèle .. Sélection.. No..
Cecie Stainer+
Son of C. N. Collin, b. Nov. 12, 1841, Mirecourt. First worked under his father there, but in 1868 settled in Paris, in the rue Faubourg Poissonniere. Though a very clever restorer of old instruments he devotes himself more to making new ones, taking those of Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri as models; his wood is of excellent quality and his work beautifully finished.
Awards: gold and silver medals, Paris, 1878 (for the beautiful varnish and remarkable tone of his violins); gold medal, Paris, 1879; silver medal, 1889. Named ” Officier de Academie” in 1884.
Labels: from 1868 to 1876—” Longueur : 9 cent, hauteur: 2 cent. Ch. J. B. Collin-Mezin fils. luthier, Paris, Tan 1870″ ;
from 1876 onward—”Longueur : 9 cent, hauteur 3, Ch. J. B. Collin-Mezin fils, luthier a Paris, rue du Faubg. Poissonniere 10.”
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler seines Vaters Claude Nic. C.-M. Er arbeitete bei Cl. Fr. Vuillaume
und liess sich zuerst in seiner Vaterstadt nieder, siedelte 1867 nach Paris über
und wohnte stets in der Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière. Er gilt als einer der
besten Pariser Geigenmacher, und selbst Joachim stellte ihm ein glänzendes Zeugniss aus. Er besitzt viele Medaillen, und auch auf der Pariser Ausstellung
1900 war er sehr gut vertreten. Er gebraucht gedruckte Zettel, denen er seit
1879 noch seine eigenhändige Unterschrift hinzufügt. Auch als Wiederhersteller
alter Geigen ist er sehr gewissenhaft und hat die akademische Palme für
schöne Künste erhalten.
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