Viola

Mid 17th-century viola made in Turin, with an outline with very pronounced points. Front of fine grain, highly arched; f-shaped soundholes; treble soundhole worn and enlarged; bass soundhole has repair at notch. Back of plain slab-cut maple; single purfling on front and back. Ribs set into the back; joints reinforced with fabric strips instead of linings. Later button of dovetail shape inlaid and fixed with two treenails; later neck. Gouge marks very apparent on original scroll and pegbox; rosewood pegs. Transparent golden-coloured varnish, much worn.