Hans Edler

History

Hans Edler (1889-1954) was a luthier born in Frankfurt in 1889, who worked primarily in Munich, Germany, from 1919 until his death in 1954. He was the son of Friedrich Edler (III) and brother to Friedrich (IV) and Richard. According to John Dilworth in *The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers*, Edler initially worked for J. J. Held in Bonn and A. Roemer in Freiburg. After a brief period of military service, he continued his training in 1911 with Giuseppe Fiorini in Munich, where he became known as Fiorini’s last pupil. Edler established his own workshop in Munich in 1919, which he maintained until World War II. He continued his work as a luthier until his death in 1954. He received a diploma of honour at Liège in 1954.

Craft

• Methods: Hans Edler developed a personal model for his instruments, which was derived from Stradivari proportions. He also made copies of various antique makers. His work is consistently described as very well finished.

Influence

• Training and Mentorship: Hans Edler trained with J. J. Held in Bonn and A. Roemer in Freiburg. Significantly, according to John Dilworth, he continued his training with Giuseppe Fiorini in Munich from 1911, being recognized as Fiorini's last pupil.
• Schools/Tradition: His personal instrument model, derived from Stradivari proportions, indicates a strong influence from classical Italian violin-making traditions.

Legacy

• Modern Recognition: Hans Edler was awarded a diploma of honour at Liège in 1954. According to John Dilworth in *The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers*, he was also a highly respected connoisseur of old instruments.

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: Edler's work is renowned for its very fine finishing. He developed a distinct personal model based on Stradivari proportions and also produced high-quality copies of antique instruments.
• Notable Inscriptions: An example of his signature is provided: "Hans Edler / Geigenmacher / München 19.." [Hans Edler / Violin maker / Munich 19..].

Summary

Hans Edler (1889-1954) was a distinguished German violin maker who established his workshop in Munich in 1919, operating it until World War II, though he continued his craft until his death in 1954. A student of J. J. Held, A. Roemer, and notably Giuseppe Fiorini, Edler developed a personal model based on Stradivari proportions and also produced copies of antique instruments. His craftsmanship is recognized for its very well-finished quality. He was also highly respected as a connoisseur of old instruments and received a diploma of honour at Liège in 1954, as documented by John Dilworth in *The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers*.