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.
Instruments
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
140 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Guarneri del Gesù model, bearing the maker's brand, some restorations including back sound post crack Lot 624 | — | December 2025 | £2,088est. € 1.000-1.200 |
| Violin | One-piece back, varnish of an orange brown colour on a golden ground, minor restored cracks Lot 19 | — | November 2025 | £1,488est. € 800-1.200 |
| Violin | A violin by Justin Derazey, Mirecourt, 1859 Lot 285 | Amati | October 2025 | £9,480est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Two-piece back of faint broad curl, varnish of a plum red colour on a golden ground Lot 134 | — | October 2025 | £3,416est. £ 3,000-4,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brand, small table restored sound post crack Lot 223 | — | June 2025 | £8,418est. € 6.000-8.000 |
| Violin | A violin by Justin Derazey, Mirecourt Lot 127 | Amati | March 2025 | £5,688est. £ 4,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's brand to the table, labelled Bergonzi, table crack Lot 53 | Laurent | June 2024 | £7,445est. € 4.000-5.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat anno 1753, branded J. Derazey internally Lot 24 | Ingles & H. | March 2024 | £4,800est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Cello | Unlabelled, branded to the inside back JD Lot 18 | Tarisio | March 2024 | £13,833est. $ 15,000-22,000 |
| Cello | Bearing the maker's label and brand, fair condition Lot 104 | — | November 2023 | £22,704est. € 12.000-15.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brand, table corner worn, back and table worm damages Lot 274 | — | November 2023 | £3,892est. € 2.500-3.000 |
| Violin | Labelled J. Derazey Luthier Mirecourt Vosges Lot 294 | — | October 2023 | £6,000est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius faciebat anno 17.. AS, inscribed Jt. Derazey Mirecourt, Année 1863 Lot 39 | — | October 2023 | £6,600est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1733 AS, branded JD below the button Lot 56 | — | October 2023 | £6,000est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brands, some table restorations Lot 5 | — | June 2023 | £7,480est. € 5.000-6.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 5 and signature, some restorations, back varnish blemish Lot 725 | — | May 2023 | £7,509est. € 2.000-3.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1717, branded Jt Derazey Lot 431 | — | March 2023 | £7,200est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brand, minor table sound post crack Lot 253 | — | December 2022 | £9,105est. € 5.000-6.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat anno 1715 Lot 49 | — | November 2022 | £6,000est. £ 5,000-7,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Just Dérazey luthier, à Mirecourt Vosges, signed to the inside back and to the block Jt. Derazey Lot 134 | — | October 2022 | £8,230est. € 8.000-12.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Stradivari, some table restorations Lot 209 | — | June 2022 | £6,868est. € 5.000-6.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Just Derazey, Luthier à Mirecourt, Vosges Année 1877, branded J. Derazey, above the label Lot 177 | — | March 2022 | £10,200est. £ 8,000-12,000 |
| Cello | Bearing the maker's label and brand, some restorations including table sound post crack Lot 115 | — | December 2021 | £29,551est. € 12.000-15.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Georges Chanot, table worm damages Lot 352 | — | June 2021 | £3,634est. € 2.500-3.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Georges Chanot, table worm Lot 54 | — | December 2020 | £3,360est. € 3.000-4.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's original label, one-piece back Lot 20 | — | October 2020 | £1,525est. € 1.500-1.800 |
| Violin | Labelled Just Dérazey luthier, à Mirecourt Vosges, branded to the inside back J. Dérazey Lot 161 | — | October 2019 | £6,600est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Violin | Bearing a label dated 1826, branded internally, repairs to table Lot 203 | — | October 2019 | £6,000est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Jt. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt (Vosges), branded on the lower rib J. Derazey, repairs to rib Lot 89 | — | September 2019 | £1,800est. £ 1,200-1,800 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis, faciebat anno 1723, branded to the inside back J. Derazey Lot 151 | — | June 2019 | £7,200est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Guarneri, signed Derazey to the table, good condition Lot 23 | — | June 2019 | £7,971est. € 4.000-5.000 |
| Violin | Lot 408 | — | June 2019 | £4,783 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brand, table crack Lot 907 | — | June 2019 | £2,310est. € 1.000 |
| Violin | Two-piece back, varnish of a red brown colour on a golden ground, a table crack close the saddle Lot 31 | — | May 2019 | £2,652est. € 1.800-2.200 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label, two-piece back, minor right f-hole crack Lot 245 | — | November 2018 | £3,095est. € 3.000-3.200 |
| Cello | Restored with good repairs to a bass bar on the table and sound post cracks on the back and table Lot 1569 | — | June 2018 | £4,560est. £ 2,000-4,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Stradivari, some restorations, table sound post crack Lot 212 | — | November 2017 | £7,392est. € 7.000-8.000 |
| Violin | René Quenoil collection, bearing the maker's label and brands to the back and table, minor restorations Lot 358 | — | June 2017 | £8,874est. € 5.000-7.000 |
| Cello | Labelled Jt Derazey, Luthier Mirecourt Vosges, branded Jt Derazey, minor repairs to table and back Lot 154 | — | October 2016 | £12,000est. £ 10,000-15,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Joseph Guarnerius fecit Cremonae anno 17...6, branded J. Der..., minor repairs to table and ribs Lot 99 | — | October 2016 | £1,200est. £ 1,500-2,000 |
| Cello | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., minor repairs to table and back, minor worm repairs Lot 144 | — | June 2016 | £10,800est. £ 10,000-15,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis, faciebat anno 1726, branded to the inside back Lot 148 | — | June 2016 | £4,130est. £ 4,000-6,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label and brand, table crack, lower rib blemish Lot 312 | — | June 2016 | £2,640est. € 2.000-3.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's brand, good condition Lot 366 | — | June 2016 | £5,940est. € 5.000-6.000 |
| Cello | Labelled J. Derazey Luthier / a Mirecourt 1864, branded below back button JD with a violoncello device Lot 48 | — | May 2016 | £8,003est. $ 10,000-15,000 |
| Violin | Labelled J. Derazey, Luthier, a Mirecourt, 1865 Lot 167 | — | March 2016 | £9,600est. £ 6,000-9,000 |
| Violin | One-piece back of faint medium curl, varnish of a reddish brown colour on a golden ground Lot 12 | — | November 2015 | £5,040est. £ 2,000-3,000 |
| Violin | One-piece back of broad slanting curl, varnish of a plum red colour on a golden ground Lot 631 | — | June 2015 | £2,520est. £ 2,000-3,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonio Stradivarius Cremonenfis, Faciebat anno 1721, branded internally J. Derazey Lot 265 | — | March 2015 | £3,600est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Jt Derazey Luthier, Mirecourt (Vosges), also bearing the label Antonius Stradivarius ... Lot 151 | — | October 2014 | £3,600est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled J. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt Lot 216 | — | March 2014 | £2,160est. £ 1,500-2,000 |
| Violin | Two-piece back of faint medium curl, table of fine grain, varnish of a deep red colour on a golden ground Lot 663 | — | March 2014 | £2,160est. £ 2,000-3,000 |
| Small Violin | 3/4 size violin, labelled Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius ..., partially signed, minor repairs to table Lot 58 | — | December 2013 | £336est. £ 200-400 |
| Cello | Labelled Jt Derazey luthier Mirecourt Vosges Lot 75 | — | October 2013 | £5,760est. £ 5,000-8,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., branded internally J. Derazey Lot 207 | — | June 2013 | £3,300est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Some table restorations, table sound post and bass bar cracks Lot 56 | — | June 2013 | £1,836est. € 1.500-2.000 |
| Violin | Lot 41 | Bonhams | May 2013 | £1,375 |
| Violin | Branded internally Lot 100 | — | June 2012 | £3,240est. £ 800-1,000 |
| Violin | Labelled H. Derazey a Mirecourt, Medaille de premiere classe, Exposition Universelle 1855 Lot 76 | — | June 2012 | £4,560est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Bearing a facsimile label Lot 320 | — | April 2012 | £1,908est. $ 1,400-1,800 |
| Violin | Lot 24 | Bonhams | March 2012 | £4,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1721 Lot 117 | Sotheby’s | March 2012 | £4,750est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Jt Derazey Luthier Mirecourt Vosges, branded internally J Derazey Lot 181 | Brompton’s | March 2012 | £4,560est. £ 2,500-3,500 |
| Violin | Branded internally Lot 223 | Brompton’s | March 2012 | £1,080est. £ 1,000-1,500 |
| Violin | Labelled Jte. Derazey, Luthier, Mirecourt ..., of an orange red brown colour, minor use and wear only Lot 24 | Bonhams | March 2012 | £4,000est. £ 3,000-4,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Antonius Stradivarius ..., branded internally J.D. Lot 33 | Brompton’s | March 2012 | £3,360est. £ 2,000-3,000 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1875-1880 c. | — | December 2011 | £4,756 |
| Violin | 36.8 cm 1890 c. Probably by workshop | — | November 2011 | £886 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. | — | October 2011 | £3,500 |
| Violin | 36 .0 cm Mirecourt, 1864 | — | October 2011 | £1,800 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm | — | June 2011 | £1,320 |
| Violin | 36.6 cm Mirecourt, 1875-1880 c. | — | June 2011 | £2,315 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1865 c. | — | June 2011 | £2,425 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Late 19th C. Workshop of | — | March 2011 | £3,900 |
| Cello | 73.2 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c. | — | December 2010 | £6,000 |
| Cello | 75.8 cm Mirecourt, 1881 | — | October 2010 | £15,772 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. (head restored) | — | June 2010 | £2,589 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c. Workshop of | — | April 2010 | £2,750 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. | — | March 2010 | £4,375 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1890 Probably by | — | December 2009 | £2,040 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1880 Workshop of | — | December 2009 | £2,176 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1883 | — | December 2009 | £5,440 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. | — | December 2009 | £3,264 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Late 19th C. Firm of | — | October 2009 | £1,200 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, late 19th C. Workshop of | — | October 2009 | £875 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c. Workshop of | — | May 2009 | £2,329 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. Workshop of | — | December 2008 | £2,048 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1860 | — | December 2008 | £2,150 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Mirecourt, end of 19th C. | — | November 2008 | £2,994 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c. | — | November 2008 | £4,800 |
| Violin | 36.1 cm Mirecourt 1880 c. Attributed to | — | November 2008 | £2,880 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1900 c. Workshop | — | October 2008 | £905 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm Mirecourt, 1860 c. | — | June 2008 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 36.3 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. "Maggini" model | — | June 2008 | £1,114 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. | — | June 2008 | £3,528 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm late 19th C. Workshop of | — | March 2008 | £2,691 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1880 c. | — | March 2008 | £4,800 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c. | — | December 2007 | £6,637 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm 1879 | — | November 2007 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Mirecourt, 1875 c. | — | April 2007 | £1,334 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1870 c. | — | February 2007 | £4,560 |
| Cello | 75.6 cm Probably by | — | February 2007 | £9,999 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Workshop of | — | October 2006 | £1,686 |
| Violin | 36.2 cm Workshop of | — | October 2006 | £2,605 |
| Viola | 40.1 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. | — | July 2006 | £4,560 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Mirecourt, 1880 c. After "Maggini" | — | July 2006 | £2,280 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1870 c. | — | June 2005 | £3,323 |
| Cello | France, 1870 c. | — | June 2005 | £21,735 |
| Violin | Mirecourt,1880 c. | — | June 2005 | £1,449 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1900 c. Workshop | — | May 2005 | £1,320 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1876 | — | May 2005 | £3,743 |
| Cello | Mirecourt, 1875 c. | — | November 2004 | £7,200 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, 1870 c. Attributed to | — | November 2004 | £717 |
| Violin | 3/4 Size | — | May 2004 | £1,287 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, c. 1870 | — | March 2004 | £2,880 |
| Violin | 1860 c. | — | October 2003 | £1,018 |
| Violin | 1872 | — | June 2003 | £2,500 |
| Violin | 1895 c. | — | June 2002 | £1,792 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | June 2002 | £9,200 |
| Violin | 1875 c. | — | March 2002 | £1,292 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | December 2001 | £3,404 |
| Violin | 1877 | — | March 2001 | £2,115 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | February 2001 | £820 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | March 2000 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1880 c. | — | June 1998 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 18-- | — | April 1998 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 18-- | — | March 1998 | £2,248 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | October 1997 | £6,325 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | March 1997 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 1880 c. | — | November 1996 | £3,220 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | November 1996 | £1,952 |
| Violin | 1870 c. | — | October 1995 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | December 1994 | £3,686 |
| Viola | 39.8 cm 1875 c. | — | November 1994 | £5,175 |
| Violin | 1875-99 | — | November 1994 | £1,840 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | November 1993 | £2,645 |
| Violin | 1880 c. | — | November 1993 | £977 |
| Violin | 1880 c. | — | September 1992 | £5,041 |
| Viola | 39.5 cm 18-- | — | November 1986 | £2,860 |
| Viola | 40.8 cm 18-- | — | July 1985 | £2,808 |
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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.
- 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."
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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