Giuseppe And Carlo (Fratelli) Fiscer

History

Giuseppe And Carlo (Fratelli) Fiscer (circa. 1750-1780) worked in Milan, Italy, during the period of approximately 1750 to 1780.

According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, they are assumed to be of German origin.

While primarily makers of plucked instruments, violins are also recorded among their output, and some cellos have been reported.

A mandolin dated 1763, attributed to them, is held in the Cherubini collection in Florence.

A label cited by Vidal reads: "Giuseppe Carlo fratelli Fiscer / fabricatori di strumenti in Milano / Vicino Alla Balla, 1764".

Carlo Vincenzo Fiscer also worked alone, with a label from 1770 stating: "Carlo Vincenzo Fiscer / fabbricator d'istrumenti / Alla Balla in Milano anno 1770".

Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, notes that their work, while resembling that of German makers, featured a better varnish.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, speculates that they were likely two Germans named Fischer, or possibly members of the Ficker family, an idea supported by their craftsmanship.

Craft

• Models: Their instruments followed Amati or Staineresque models.
• Scrolls: The scrolls on their instruments are described as rather crude.
• Varnish: John Dilworth notes a light golden-brown varnish, while Cecie Stainer describes it as a yellow-red colour and very satisfactory for its date. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentions a red or reddish-yellow varnish.
• Workmanship: Cecie Stainer refers to a "well-made violin" by the brothers.

Influence

• National Style: Their work is noted by Cecie Stainer as resembling that of German makers more than Italian makers.
• Possible Lineage: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests they might have been members of the Ficker family, indicating a potential German luthier tradition.

Legacy

• Museum Collections: A mandolin dated 1763 by the Fiscer brothers is part of the Cherubini collection in Florence.
• Private Collections: A mandolin by Carlo Vincenzo Fiscer, working alone, was reportedly in the possession of a dealer in Munich.

Further Information

• Working Address: Their workshop was located "Vicino Alla Balla" or "Alla Balla in Milano".
• Labels: Known labels include "Giuseppe Carlo fratelli Fiscer / fabricatori di strumenti in Milano / Vicino Alla Balla, 1764" and for Carlo alone, "Carlo Vincenzo Fiscer / fabbricator d'istrumenti / Alla Balla in Milano anno 1770".

Summary

Giuseppe And Carlo (Fratelli) Fiscer were brothers who worked as instrument makers in Milan, Italy, from approximately 1750 to 1780.

Though primarily known for plucked instruments, they also produced violins and cellos, often following Amati or Staineresque models.

Their work, which featured a distinctive yellow-red or golden-brown varnish, is often considered to have German characteristics, and their scrolls are noted as somewhat crude.

A mandolin by the brothers is preserved in the Cherubini collection in Florence, and Carlo Vincenzo Fiscer also worked independently.