Frank Pongracz

PONGRACZ, Frank Born 1888 Vesperi-Megye Hungary, died 1967 Akron, Ohio USA. Moved to Akron c.1910 and established a violin shop there c.1921. Ceased making in 1950, and the business was acquired by Alex Zolti 1968. Early work on personal model. Later adopted the 1716 Stradivari ‘Messie’ violin pattern. Commercial varnish, sometimes shaded and applied by airbrush. About 26 violins completed, branded: ‘F Pongratz’ [Wenberg]