This listing is about the older violin I’m selling. Built in Minneapolis, MN in approximately 1899.
I’m a documentary filmmaker. I acquired 2 Orville Moses Robinson violins 5 years ago with the intent of making a film about him. His story of transformation is a notable one. From simple roots, he proved himself gifted, creative, skilled, enterprising and remarkably human. He was not just a maker of fine violins. As a young man, he first demonstrated his ingenuity in crafting stone fences, bridges and barns. Then he began his life's journey.
Born in Vermont in 1838, OM was one of 5 children. His 2 older brothers fought for the Union army in the Civil War, both were wounded and captured. One died in a Confederate hospital. OM avoided service by working for a gun manufacturer… a trade at which he excelled. He actually invented newer, more lethal weapons. However, it appears what happened to his brothers affected him.
In time, after starting and then selling his own gun company (Adirondack Arms), OM began repairing wooden musical instruments. In addition to reconstructing broken violins, he built an upright bass. His transition from inventing and crafting hard, cold, lethal weapons of destruction and death to the design and creation of soft, warm, musical instruments of love and life was remarkable. When he died in St. Paul, MN in 1916, he was an accomplished violin maker having repaired over 2,000 instruments and created over 250. I wanted to record this story but was unable due to circumstances beyond my control (Covid didn’t help). So I offer these two, rare artifacts of this creative genius’ talent for sale for wholesale prices.
If you were to find either of these instruments at a professional violin shop, they would sell for 3 times this price. They come with a high-quality (protective), newer case. Would prefer to sell in person, but will ship if necessary ($100 insured).
They are currently set up with “fiddle” (lower) bridges as I’m a Traditional Music (aka Old-time) fiddle player. But both were purchased from parties that noted the violin's “orchestral” backgrounds (previous players played them in orchestral settings).
I’ve posted many pictures, but if you have questions, please write: frailin@mac.com
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