Italian guitar of 1800 labeled A. MONZINO & FIGLI

Italian guitar of 1800 labeled A. MONZINO & FIGLI

Introduction: Antonio Monzino (1730-1800) was a famous italian strings instruments maker, in 1750 he founded his first workshop in Milan, via Rastrelli 10.

Together with his first-born son Giacomo (1772-1854), he began to sell scores, harmonic strings, musical accessorials too. In a few years, the new firm “Premiata Fabbrica di strumenti musicali A. Monzino & Figli” became supplier of important musicians, like the violinist-guitarist Niccolò Paganini.

From 1847 up to 1929 also Severino Riva, another famous lutist and lute- maker, was member of Monzino’s team.

In fact, all descendants of Antonio Monzino kept up their father’s musical tradition up to these days, through their Monzino Foundation (www.fondazioneacmonzino.it).

In the year 2005 the Foundation donated his private collection of old musical instruments to the Sforzesco Castle Museum of Milan (see the section of antique musical instruments:

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musei_del_Castello_Sforzesco)

Well, the same model of the guitar here on sale, appears in the image of the Monzino’s shop in street Rastrelli 10, near the play-bill of Monzino international exhibition of 1906.

Moreover, the Savallo “Guide of makers & resellers of musical instruments in Milan” says that Monzino makers worked as “Premiata fabbrica Monzino & figli” only in street Rastrelli 10 since 1830.

At last, a model of 1920 with similar decoration is exposed in the Sforzesco Museum.

Therefore, this instrument may be dated in the period 1820 - 1906.

This guitar is in perfect conditions and can be played with no repairs at all.

Woods: red fir, rosewood, ebony. Decorations in mother of pearl.

Dimensions (mm):

- length 924

- centre width 310

- height 78

Price: 3000 €