Amati > Makers Archive > D > Justin Amadee Derazey

Justin Amadee Derazey

Mirecourt, 1839–1890

Justin Amédée Derazey (1839-1890) was a French luthier from Mirecourt, son and pupil of Honoré Derazey.He was known for his prolific output of Stradivari-modelled instruments using good materials, though his varnish was often considered inferior to his father's.He acquired the business of J. Nicolas fils in 1864 and received several awards for the quality and affordability of his instruments.

Worked Mirecourt
Made Cello, Viola, Violin
Taught by Honoré Derazey
Family Son of Honoré Derazey
Violin, Workshop of Justin Derazey, Mirecourt, circa 1900
Violin by Justin Amadee Derazey. Sold by Amati — from the archive.

Instruments

Auction Price History

Highest auction price

£29,551

138 results

Type Details Auction house Sold Price
Violin Lot 41BonhamsAugust 2026£1,375
Guarneri del Gesù model, bearing the maker's brand, some restorations including back sound post crack Lot 624December 2025£2,088est. € 1.000-1.200
One-piece back, varnish of an orange brown colour on a golden ground, minor restored cracks Lot 19November 2025£1,488est. € 800-1.200
Two-piece back of faint broad curl, varnish of a plum red colour on a golden ground Lot 134October 2025£3,416est. £ 3,000-4,000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, small table restored sound post crack Lot 223June 2025£8,418est. € 6.000-8.000
ViolinBearing the maker's brand to the table, labelled Bergonzi, table crack Lot 53LaurentJanuary 2024£7,445est. € 4.000-5.000
ViolinLabelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat anno 1753, branded J. Derazey internally Lot 24Ingles & H.January 2024£4,800est. £ 4,000-6,000
CelloUnlabelled, branded to the inside back JD Lot 18TarisioJanuary 2024£13,833est. $ 15,000-22,000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, fair condition Lot 104November 2023£22,704est. € 12.000-15.000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, table corner worn, back and table worm damages Lot 274November 2023£3,892est. € 2.500-3.000
Labelled J. Derazey Luthier Mirecourt Vosges Lot 294October 2023£6,000est. £ 4,000-6,000
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius faciebat anno 17.. AS, inscribed Jt. Derazey Mirecourt, Année 1863 Lot 39October 2023£6,600est. £ 4,000-6,000
Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1733 AS, branded JD below the button Lot 56October 2023£6,000est. £ 4,000-6,000
Bearing the maker's label and brands, some table restorations Lot 5June 2023£7,480est. € 5.000-6.000
Bearing the maker's label n. 5 and signature, some restorations, back varnish blemish Lot 725May 2023£7,509est. € 2.000-3.000
Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1717, branded Jt Derazey Lot 431March 2023£7,200est. £ 3,000-5,000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, minor table sound post crack Lot 253December 2022£9,105est. € 5.000-6.000
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat anno 1715 Lot 49November 2022£6,000est. £ 5,000-7,000
Labelled Just Dérazey luthier, à Mirecourt Vosges, signed to the inside back and to the block Jt. Derazey Lot 134October 2022£8,230est. € 8.000-12.000
Labelled Stradivari, some table restorations Lot 209June 2022£6,868est. € 5.000-6.000
Labelled Just Derazey, Luthier à Mirecourt, Vosges Année 1877, branded J. Derazey, above the label Lot 177March 2022£10,200est. £ 8,000-12,000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, some restorations including table sound post crack Lot 115December 2021£29,551est. € 12.000-15.000
Labelled Georges Chanot, table worm damages Lot 352June 2021£3,634est. € 2.500-3.000
Labelled Georges Chanot, table worm Lot 54December 2020£3,360est. € 3.000-4.000
Bearing the maker's original label, one-piece back Lot 20October 2020£1,525est. € 1.500-1.800
Labelled Just Dérazey luthier, à Mirecourt Vosges, branded to the inside back J. Dérazey Lot 161October 2019£6,600est. £ 4,000-6,000
Bearing a label dated 1826, branded internally, repairs to table Lot 203October 2019£6,000est. £ 3,000-5,000
Labelled Jt. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt (Vosges), branded on the lower rib J. Derazey, repairs to rib Lot 89September 2019£1,800est. £ 1,200-1,800
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis, faciebat anno 1723, branded to the inside back J. Derazey Lot 151June 2019£7,200est. £ 3,000-5,000
Labelled Guarneri, signed Derazey to the table, good condition Lot 23June 2019£7,971est. € 4.000-5.000
Lot 408June 2019£4,783
Bearing the maker's label and brand, table crack Lot 907June 2019£2,310est. € 1.000
Two-piece back, varnish of a red brown colour on a golden ground, a table crack close the saddle Lot 31May 2019£2,652est. € 1.800-2.200
Bearing the maker's label, two-piece back, minor right f-hole crack Lot 245November 2018£3,095est. € 3.000-3.200
Restored with good repairs to a bass bar on the table and sound post cracks on the back and table Lot 1569June 2018£4,560est. £ 2,000-4,000
Labelled Stradivari, some restorations, table sound post crack Lot 212November 2017£7,392est. € 7.000-8.000
René Quenoil collection, bearing the maker's label and brands to the back and table, minor restorations Lot 358June 2017£8,874est. € 5.000-7.000
Labelled Jt Derazey, Luthier Mirecourt Vosges, branded Jt Derazey, minor repairs to table and back Lot 154October 2016£12,000est. £ 10,000-15,000
Labelled Joseph Guarnerius fecit Cremonae anno 17...6, branded J. Der..., minor repairs to table and ribs Lot 99October 2016£1,200est. £ 1,500-2,000
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., minor repairs to table and back, minor worm repairs Lot 144June 2016£10,800est. £ 10,000-15,000
Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis, faciebat anno 1726, branded to the inside back Lot 148June 2016£4,130est. £ 4,000-6,000
Bearing the maker's label and brand, table crack, lower rib blemish Lot 312June 2016£2,640est. € 2.000-3.000
Bearing the maker's brand, good condition Lot 366June 2016£5,940est. € 5.000-6.000
Labelled J. Derazey Luthier / a Mirecourt 1864, branded below back button JD with a violoncello device Lot 48May 2016£8,003est. $ 10,000-15,000
Labelled J. Derazey, Luthier, a Mirecourt, 1865 Lot 167March 2016£9,600est. £ 6,000-9,000
One-piece back of faint medium curl, varnish of a reddish brown colour on a golden ground Lot 12November 2015£5,040est. £ 2,000-3,000
One-piece back of broad slanting curl, varnish of a plum red colour on a golden ground Lot 631June 2015£2,520est. £ 2,000-3,000
Labelled Antonio Stradivarius Cremonenfis, Faciebat anno 1721, branded internally J. Derazey Lot 265March 2015£3,600est. £ 3,000-5,000
Labelled Jt Derazey Luthier, Mirecourt (Vosges), also bearing the label Antonius Stradivarius ... Lot 151October 2014£3,600est. £ 3,000-5,000
Labelled J. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt Lot 216March 2014£2,160est. £ 1,500-2,000
Two-piece back of faint medium curl, table of fine grain, varnish of a deep red colour on a golden ground Lot 663March 2014£2,160est. £ 2,000-3,000
3/4 size violin, labelled Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius ..., partially signed, minor repairs to table Lot 58December 2013£336est. £ 200-400
Labelled Jt Derazey luthier Mirecourt Vosges Lot 75October 2013£5,760est. £ 5,000-8,000
Labelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., branded internally J. Derazey Lot 207June 2013£3,300est. £ 3,000-5,000
Some table restorations, table sound post and bass bar cracks Lot 56June 2013£1,836est. € 1.500-2.000
Violin Lot 24BonhamsJuly 2012£4,000
Branded internally Lot 100June 2012£3,240est. £ 800-1,000
Labelled H. Derazey a Mirecourt, Medaille de premiere classe, Exposition Universelle 1855 Lot 76June 2012£4,560est. £ 3,000-5,000
Bearing a facsimile label Lot 320April 2012£1,908est. $ 1,400-1,800
ViolinLabelled Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1721 Lot 117Sotheby’sJanuary 2012£4,750est. £ 3,000-5,000
ViolinLabelled Jt Derazey Luthier Mirecourt Vosges, branded internally J Derazey Lot 181Brompton’sJanuary 2012£4,560est. £ 2,500-3,500
ViolinBranded internally Lot 223Brompton’sJanuary 2012£1,080est. £ 1,000-1,500
ViolinLabelled Jte. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt ..., of an orange red brown colour, minor use and wear only Lot 24BonhamsJanuary 2012£4,000est. £ 3,000-4,000
ViolinLabelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., branded internally J.D. Lot 33Brompton’sJanuary 2012£3,360est. £ 2,000-3,000
Violin35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1875-1880 c.January 2011£4,756
Violin36.8 cm 1890 c. Probably by workshopJanuary 2011£886
Violin36.1 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c.January 2011£3,500
Violin36 .0 cm Mirecourt, 1864January 2011£1,800
Violin36.1 cmJanuary 2011£1,320
Violin36.6 cm Mirecourt, 1875-1880 c.January 2011£2,315
Violin35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1865 c.January 2011£2,425
Violin35.7 cm Late 19th C. Workshop ofJanuary 2011£3,900
Cello73.2 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c.January 2010£6,000
Cello75.8 cm Mirecourt, 1881January 2010£15,772
Violin36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. (head restored)January 2010£2,589
Violin36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c. Workshop ofJanuary 2010£2,750
Violin35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c.January 2010£4,375
Violin35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1890 Probably byJanuary 2009£2,040
Violin35.8 cm 1880 Workshop ofJanuary 2009£2,176
Violin36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1883January 2009£5,440
Violin36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c.January 2009£3,264
Violin36.0 cm Late 19th C. Firm ofJanuary 2009£1,200
Violin35.7 cm Mirecourt, late 19th C. Workshop ofJanuary 2009£875
Violin35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c. Workshop ofJanuary 2009£2,329
Violin35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. Workshop ofJanuary 2008£2,048
Violin35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1860January 2008£2,150
Violin36.1 cm Mirecourt, end of 19th C.January 2008£2,994
Viola40.0 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c.January 2008£4,800
Violin36.1 cm Mirecourt 1880 c. Attributed toJanuary 2008£2,880
Violin36.0 cm 1900 c. WorkshopJanuary 2008£905
Viola40.0 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c.January 2008£3,600
Violin36.3 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. "Maggini" modelJanuary 2008£1,114
Violin35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c.January 2008£3,528
Violin35.9 cm late 19th C. Workshop ofJanuary 2008£2,691
Violin36.0 cm 1880 c.January 2008£4,800
Violin35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c.January 2007£6,637
Violin35.7 cm 1879January 2007£3,600
Violin36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1875 c.January 2007£1,334
Violin35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c.January 2007£4,560
Cello75.6 cm Probably byJanuary 2007£9,999
Violin35.8 cm Workshop ofJanuary 2006£1,686
Violin36.2 cm Workshop ofJanuary 2006£2,605
Viola40.1 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c.January 2006£4,560
Violin35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. After "Maggini"January 2006£2,280
ViolinMirecourt, 1870 c.January 2005£3,323
CelloFrance, 1870 c.January 2005£21,735
ViolinMirecourt,1880 c.January 2005£1,449
ViolinMirecourt, 1900 c. WorkshopJanuary 2005£1,320
ViolinMirecourt, 1876January 2005£3,743
CelloMirecourt, 1875 c.January 2004£7,200
ViolinMirecourt, 1870 c. Attributed toJanuary 2004£717
Violin3/4 SizeJanuary 2004£1,287
ViolinMirecourt, c. 1870January 2004£2,880
Violin1860 c.January 2003£1,018
Violin1872January 2003£2,500
Violin1895 c.January 2002£1,792
Violin1880January 2002£9,200
Violin1875 c.January 2002£1,292
Violin1880January 2001£3,404
Violin1877January 2001£2,115
Violin1880January 2001£820
Violin1880January 2000£1,610
Violin1880 c.January 1998£2,070
Violin18--January 1998£2,875
Violin18--January 1998£2,248
Violin1884January 1997£6,325
Violin1890January 1997£3,450
Violin1880 c.January 1996£3,220
Violin1880January 1996£1,952
Violin1870 c.January 1995£1,610
Violin1888January 1994£3,686
Viola39.8 cm 1875 c.January 1994£5,175
Violin1875-99January 1994£1,840
Violin1880January 1993£2,645
Violin1880 c.January 1993£977
Violin1880 c.January 1992£5,041
Viola39.5 cm 18--January 1986£2,860
Viola40.8 cm 18--January 1985£2,808

Maker Overview

Life

Justin Amédée Derazey (1839-1890) was born in 1839 and died in 1890 in Mirecourt, France.

He was the son and pupil of Honoré Derazey.

Sources contain conflicting information regarding the date he succeeded to the business of Nicolas fils; Lütgendorff, he acquired the business of J. Nicolas, jun. in 1864, while John Dilworth states this occurred in 1884.

After acquiring the business, his instruments also bore the brand of J. Nicolas.

His label continued in use, attached to commercial instruments made by Laberte in Mirecourt.


Characteristics

Workmanship
His work is generally considered inferior in quality to that of his father, with a thinner varnish and less consistent finish, though he was almost as prolific.
Materials and Model
He used first-class materials and produced similar Stradivari-modelled work.
Varnish
The varnish on his instruments is described as thinner, rather harsh, brittle, and soon becoming unsightly.
Production Volume
By 1844, he was producing 600 instruments a year, selling them from 5 to 150 francs.
Business Practice
After acquiring the business of Joseph Nicolas fils in 1864, he began to differentiate more clearly between instruments he made himself and those that were solely workshop productions; the latter received the Nicolas firm's stamp.
Recorded labels
  • Justin Derazey, Luthier
    élève de Honoré Derazey
    fait à Mirecourt, 1862John Dilworth
  • Justs Derazey, Luthier
    à Mirecourt. Vosges.18..John Dilworth
  • J. Derazey. Luthier
    à Mirecourt. 1865John Dilworth
  • Jt. Derazey
    Hors concours—Luthier MirecourtJohn Dilworth

Influence and legacy

  • Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Honoré Derazey.
  • Awards: He received a "Mention" in 1839 and 1844, a medal of the first class at the Paris Exhibition in 1855, and another at the London Exhibition in 1862 for the cheapness and good quality of his instruments.
  • Succession: His business was later taken over by P. Mougenot, who subsequently used both Derazey's and Nicolas's brand marks.

Further Information

  • Internal Branding: Instruments were branded internally with 'JD'.
  • Labels: Examples of his printed labels include "Justin Derazey, Luthier / élève de Honoré Derazey / fait à Mirecourt, 1862," "Justs Derazey, Luthier / à Mirecourt. Vosges.18..," and "J. Derazey. Luthier / à Mirecourt. 1865 Jt. Derazey / Hors concours—Luthier Mirecourt."

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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

DERAZEY, Justin Amédée Born 1839, died 1890 Mirecourt France. Son and pupil of Honoré Derazey, above. Succeeded to the business of Nicolas fils 1884, after which his instruments also bear the brand of J. Nicolas. His work is generally inferior in quality to that of his father, with a thinner varnish and less consistent finish, but he was almost as prolific. Similar Stradivari-modelled work, using first class materials. His label continued in use, attached to commercial instruments made by Laberte in Mirecourt. Branded internally: ‘JD’. Printed label: Justin Derazey, Luthier / élève de Honoré Derazey / fait à Mirecourt, 1862. Justs Derazey, Luthier / à Mirecourt. Vosges.18.. J. Derazey. Luthier / à Mirecourt. 1865 Jt. Derazey / Hors concours—Luthier Mirecourt.

Cecie Stainer+

A maker in Mirecourt. On the death of J. Nicolas, jun., in 1864, he succeeded to his business, with all the materials, &c., and so it happens that new instruments, not made by Nicolas, but bearing his stamp, are still to be met with. Without being of great commercial value they are well made and carefully finished, but the varnish is rather harsh.
Awards: “Mention” in 1839 and 1844 ; a medal of the first class at the Paris Exhibition, 1855, and at the London Exhibition, 1862, for the cheapness and good quality of his instruments.
In 1844 he was producing 600 instruments a year, selling them from 5 to 150 francs.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Sohn, Schüler und Nachfolger von Honoré D. Ein Geigenfabrikant, der
schon 1846 jährlich an 600 Violinen herstellte, die er zu Preisen von 5 — 150 Frcs.
verkaufte. Da er es an einer gewissen Sorgfalt nicht fehlen liess und gutes
Material verwendete, erhielt er 1855 in Paris und 1862 in London Medaillen.
Im Jahre 1864 kaufte er von der Wittwe das Geschäft von Joseph Nicolas fils
mit allen Werkzeugen und Vorrathen und machte von nun an einen grösseren
Unterschied zwischen Geigen, die er selbst machte, und solchen, die nur Werkstattsarbeit
waren. Die letzteren erhielten den Firmastempel Nicolas. Sein Holz ist ziemlich gut, der Lack dagegen spröde und bald unscheinbar. Sein Geschäft ging auf P. Mougenot über, der jetzt beide Brandmarken verwendet.

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