Antique Stroviols Home Model Single String Phono Fiddle / Stroh Violin with Original Canvas Carrying Bag

A fascinating and highly unusual antique British-made Stroviols Home Model single-string phono fiddle, complete with its original canvas carrying bag.

The instrument retains its original circular maker’s plaque reading:

HOME MODEL
STROVIOLS
TRADE MARK REGISTERED
BRITISH MANUFACTURE

An unusual early mechanically amplified stringed instrument. Rather than using the conventional resonating body of a violin, the vibration of the string is transmitted through a diaphragm and projected through the large metal horn.

The instrument appears substantially complete and retains the large original horn, fingerboard, tuning mechanism, bridge/contact assembly and fittings.

Also included is the original fitted canvas carrying bag, which is a particularly nice addition and increasingly difficult to find surviving with these instruments.

A wonderfully eccentric piece of British musical-instrument history and an excellent display piece in its own right.

Condition:
Antique used condition with age-related wear throughout. There are marks, scratches and losses to the black finish, together with tarnishing/oxidation and surface wear to the metal horn consistent with considerable age. The canvas bag also shows age and use.

I have not attempted to restore, polish or alter the instrument and it is being sold in the condition shown.

I am not a violin specialist and have not attempted to play or professionally assess it, therefore it is offered as a collectable antique instrument and sold untested.

Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description.

A scarce opportunity to acquire an original British Stroviols Home Model complete with its original canvas bag.