A folk art violin with its early, original inlaid, coffin case. The violin neck terminates with a naive depiction of an black male with the name "Sambo" painted on the bill.
A horse hair bow with inlaid mother of abalone frog was in the case. The instrument and coffin case has extensive wear and 2 old repairs. The case measurements are as follows, 78.5cm in length, 23 cm in width, 14 cm in depth. The bust is carved in a more folksy, informal manner the majority of the other fiddles with classically derived, formal figured pegheads. Also, the bust is more upright and very large. The printed "SAMBO" on the bill of the cap is overpainted on the original varnish and probably, a later addition. The original hardwood case has an array of inlaid stars and hearts and is constructed with square nails.
In the author's opinion, the fiddle and handmade coffin case have construction and stylistic attributes that date both from the mid-19th century. The bust is wearing a Civil War kepi cap and may represent a black Union soldier. Civil War experts I have confirmed the kepi and probable, Civil War-era attributions.
Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?
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I recall seeing this violin or one identical to it several years ago. I seem to remember it being discussed online at the time, but I haven’t found the thread about it.
I think there was some question about its age and origin, but I don’t think anyone had any authoritative proof to determine one way or another. I see that it was auctioned in 2018.
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