Ernst (III) Liebich

History

Ernst (III) Liebich (1862-1934) was born on May 25, 1862, in Breslau, according to Cecie Stainer. He died in 1934 in Wrocław (Breslau), Poland, as stated by John Dilworth. Sources contain conflicting information about his death date, with Cecie Stainer indicating 1896. He was the son and pupil of Ernst Liebich (II). He worked for Bittner and Voigt in Vienna before succeeding to his father's business in Wrocław (Breslau) in 1884. He founded a large business, employing several craftsmen, and was appointed luthier to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Craft

• Models: He worked well after the famous masters, often following the Stradivari or Guarneri patterns, and also copied Amati and Maggini patterns. He also used his own model.
• Varnish: His instruments featured transparent varnish, often of a reddish-yellow color, and he used spirit varnish. He personally varnished all instruments.
• Production: He was especially skillful in repairing old instruments, with about 300 passing through his hands annually, and made from six to ten new instruments per year.
• Other Instruments: He also made fine bows, guitars, and lutes.

Influence

• Training: He was the son and pupil of Ernst Liebich (II).
• Work Experience: As an assistant, he worked for D. Bittner and Voigt in Vienna.

Legacy

• Awards: He was awarded a silver medal at Breslau in 1881 and a gold medal at Posen in 1895. He also received the Prussian silver state medal and various exhibition medals.
• Royal Appointment: He was appointed instrument maker and luthier to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
• Professional Status: He was a sworn expert.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His business was located at 2, Catherinenstrasse Breslau.
• Label: An example label reads "Von Ernst Liebich / Breslau. 1886".
• Workforce: He employed five workmen in his shop.

Summary

Ernst (III) Liebich (1862-1934) was a notable luthier from Breslau, son and pupil of Ernst Liebich (II). After working in Vienna, he took over his father's business in 1884, establishing a significant workshop that employed several craftsmen. He was appointed luthier to the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Liebich was known for crafting new instruments, often following patterns of masters like Stradivari and Guarneri, and was particularly skilled in repairing old instruments, handling approximately 300 annually. His instruments featured a transparent, reddish-yellow spirit varnish, which he applied personally. He also produced bows, guitars, and lutes. His legacy includes multiple awards, such as silver and gold medals, and a Prussian silver state medal, recognizing his craftsmanship and expertise.