Janos Spiegel
Budapest, 1876–1956
Janos SPIEGEL (1876-1956) was a Hungarian luthier born in Sopron and active in Budapest from 1903. Apprenticed to P. Pilát, he also worked for W. J. Schunda and R. Laumann before establishing his own prolific workshop. He produced approximately 600 instruments, including 80 cellos, often with the assistance of craftsmen, with many exported to the USA. SPIEGEL's work was neat and precise, utilizing Stradivari- and Guarneri-derived models, and featuring distinctive Hungarian interior work and varying varnish colors over time. He was succeeded by his employee J. Csapkovits.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
17 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label Lot 615 | Vichy | June 2025 | £3,036est. € 1.500-2.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Spiegel János, Budapest, 1939, branded to the inside back Spiegel Jànos Budapest Lot 86 | Tarisio | October 2023 | £4,445est. € 4.000-6.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Spiegel János, Budapest 1918 Lot 7 | Ingles & Hayday | June 2021 | £10,200est. £ 3,800-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Spiegel János Budapest, 1918 Lot 75 | Tarisio | March 2021 | £9,628est. $ 6,000-9,000 |
| Violin | Bearing a manuscript label Spiegel Janos, Budapest 1925, stamped Spiegel Janos ... Lot 78 | Brompton’s | January 2021 | £3,840est. £ 2,500-3,500 |
| Violin | Bearing a manuscript label Spiegel Janos, Budapest 1925, stamped Spiegel Janos ... Lot 92 | Brompton’s | December 2020 | £4,080est. £ 2,500-3,500 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Budapest, 1953 | — | January 2010 | £1,243 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Budapest, 1916 | — | January 2010 | £6,008 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Budapest, 1924 | — | January 2008 | £4,490 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Budapest, 1924 | — | January 2007 | £2,736 |
| Violin | Budapest, 1923 | — | January 2005 | £2,605 |
| Violin | Budapest, 1916 | — | January 2005 | £3,360 |
| Violin | Budapest, 1924 | — | January 2004 | £2,895 |
| Violin | 1936 | — | January 2003 | £3,732 |
| Violin | 1907 | — | January 2001 | £4,624 |
| Viola | 41.9 cm | — | January 1992 | £3,300 |
| Cello | — | January 1991 | £3,850 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Janos SPIEGEL (1876-1956) was born in Sopron, Hungary, in 1876 and passed away in Budapest in 1956.'s The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was apprenticed to P. Pilát. SPIEGEL worked for W. J. Schunda from 1896 to 1898 and subsequently for R. Laumann from 1898 to 1900. He established himself independently in Budapest in 1903. SPIEGEL was a prolific maker, producing approximately 600 instruments, including 80 cellos, often with the assistance of various craftsmen in his shop. The majority of these instruments were exported to the USA. He was succeeded by his employee, J. Csapkovits.
Characteristics
- Models
- Janos SPIEGEL utilized Stradivari- and Guarneri-derived models for his instruments.
- Workmanship
- His work was characterized by its neatness and precision.
- Varnish
- Up to approximately 1920, he employed a red-brown varnish; thereafter, he predominantly used orange shades.
- Interior Work
- The interior construction of his instruments followed the Hungarian manner, featuring pointed linings that were let into all the blocks.
- Branding
- Instruments were internally branded 'Spiegel Janós / Budapest'.
- Labels
- Manuscript labels found in his instruments read 'Spiegel Jánoos (sic) / Budapest, 19..'.
- Spiegel Jánoos (sic)
Budapest, 19..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Apprenticeship: Janos SPIEGEL received his apprenticeship under P. Pilát.
- Professional Experience: He gained experience working for W. J. Schunda from 1896 to 1898 and for R. Laumann from 1898 to 1900.
- Succession: Janos SPIEGEL was succeeded in his workshop by his employee, J. Csapkovits.
Further Information
- Workshop Location: Janos SPIEGEL established his independent workshop in Budapest in 1903.
- Export Market: A significant portion of his instrument production, specifically the majority, was exported to the USA.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SPIEGEL, János Born 1876 Sopron, died 1956 Budapest Hungary. Apprenticed to P. Pilát. Worked for W. J. Schunda 1896-1898 and for R. Laumann 1898-1900. Established independently in Budapest 1903. Prolific maker. Produced about 600 instruments including 80 cellos, assisted by various craftsmen in his shop, the majority exported to the USA. Succeeded by his employee J. Csapkovits. Stradivari- and Guarneri-derived models. Neat and precise work. Red-brown varnish used up to c.1920; thereafter mainly orange shades. Interior work in the Hungarian manner with pointed linings let into all the blocks. Branded internally: ‘Spiegel Janós / Budapest’ . Manuscript labels: Spiegel Jánoos (sic) / Budapest, 19..
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