Paul Max (Max snr.) Moller

MÖLLER, Paul Max (Max sr.) Born 1875 Markneukirchen Germany, died 1948 Amsterdam Netherlands. Violin and bow maker. Trained at the school in Markneukirchen. Worked for R. Nürnberger and H. T. Heberlein. Moved to Lowendahl in Leipzig and in 1900 spent eight months at the shop of Van der Meer in Amsterdam. After a brief experience in St. Petersburg with M. Möckel returned to Van der Meer and finally established his own business in Amsterdam. Prolific maker, credited with over 250 instruments on Stradivari and Guarneri models but many having personal touches including carved angel heads replacing the traditional scroll. Later concentrated on Stradivari models, including several decorated instruments in imitation of the famous inlaid Stradivari violins. Early varnish is of a thin consistency and red tone; later instruments have a thicker deep red-brown varnish prone to craquelure. Several violas of personal model produced after 1945, the maple said to have come from a single tree in the gardens of the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum. Author of Italiaansche Vioolbouw (Amsterdam, 1938). Bows branded: M. MÖLLER, M. MÖLLER AMSTERDAM, MEUNIER, or MEUNIER A PARIS Max Möller / Amsterdam, 1914 Max Möller / P C. Hoofstraat 34 / Amsterdam [NGV]