Viola

Viola with viol-form outline, possibly built as viol with arched back; renecked ?c.1900. Sloping shoulders and very slight out-turn to points at upper and lower corners; currently strung as a viola. Front of medium arching and very slight depression; small C-shaped sound holes with large notches; two incised lines as ‘purfling’ on front and back; front and back flush to ribs; two-piece rounded back with figure of moderate curl. Dark reddish-brown varnish. A bead is cut in the ribs at the neck joint. Awkwardly carved scroll with the fluting stopping short above pegbox. The button has two treenails into the heel of neck. There is a wedge under fingerboard but this was only to add thickness to a neck that was not deep enough.