Auguste Delivet

History

Auguste Delivet (1861-1928) was born in Mirecourt, France, in 1861 and later died in Montreal, Canada, in 1928. He served an apprenticeship in Mirecourt. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his early training; John Dilworth states he was the nephew and pupil of Victor Rambaux, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies Chardin in Mirecourt as his teacher and notes him as the grand-nephew of Victor Rambaux. Delivet worked for H. C. Silvestre in Paris from 1887 until 1892, after which he opened his own shop at 10 rue de Paris in 1892. He subsequently moved his workshop to 49 rue Richer. In 1918, he emigrated to Canada, initially working for Williams in Toronto before establishing himself independently in Montreal.

Craft

• Workmanship: Auguste Delivet's instruments are characterized by fine work and typical French craftsmanship of his period, according to John Dilworth.
• Quality: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his new violins were popular due to their careful workmanship and good tone.
• Repair: He was also highly regarded as a repairer.
• Varnish: For his fine instruments, he utilized oil varnish.
• Variety: He constructed all other string instruments, notably creating original pieces for musical clowns.
• Production for Williams: While working for Williams in Toronto, instruments were produced in three grades; the cheapest were marked 'under the direction of A. Delivet', while the best bore his brand 'A. Delivet' on the lower rib.

Influence

• Mentorship: According to John Dilworth, he was the nephew and pupil of Victor Rambaux.
• Mentorship: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states he was a pupil of Chardin in Mirecourt.
• Employment: He worked for H. C. Silvestre in Paris from 1887 until 1892.

Legacy

• Awards: Auguste Delivet received gold medals at Nantes in 1904, and at Liège in both 1905 and 1906, among other accolades.
• Exposition: He was awarded a Grand Prix (Collective) at the Exposition Universelle in Liège.

Further Information

• Paris Addresses: His workshops in Paris were located at 10 rue de Paris and later at 49 rue Richer.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "A. Delivet / Luthier / No.. Année 19.. Ex-Ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre / Paris" and "Made in the workshops of / The R. S. Williams & Sons Co. Limited. Toronto Canada. A.Delivet; Luthier / ex-ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre / Paris année 1896 No..".
• Branding: His best instruments made for Williams in Toronto bore his brand 'A. Delivet' on the lower rib.

Summary

Auguste Delivet (1861-1928) was a French luthier born in Mirecourt who established a significant career in Paris before emigrating to Canada. He apprenticed in Mirecourt, with sources citing either Victor Rambaux or Chardin as his teacher. After working for H. C. Silvestre, he opened his own successful Parisian workshop. Delivet's instruments were known for their fine French craftsmanship, careful work, and good tone, often utilizing oil varnish. He was also a respected repairer and created unique string instruments, including those for musical clowns. He earned several gold medals and a Grand Prix for his work. After moving to Canada, he worked for R. S. Williams & Sons in Toronto before continuing his craft independently in Montreal.