Sebastian Dallinger

Name: Sebastian Dallinger auction price records, Amati Instrument Archive
Creator: Amati

Vienna, 1735–1809

Sebastian Dallinger (1735-1809) was a highly regarded lute and violin maker active in Vienna, Austria. Born in 1735 and dying in 1809, he became a citizen in 1768 and resided in the Kärnthner Viertel. His instruments, particularly his violoncellos, are noted for their refined finish and careful craftsmanship, often following the Stainer model with a high arch. While sources contain conflicting information regarding his varnish color, it was generally described as clear yellow or dark brown. He used printed labels and sometimes branded his instruments.

Worked Vienna

Made Viola, Violin

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£18,087

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Violin	Labelled Sebastian Dalinger, Viennae Anno 1798	March 2025	£11,400
Violin	Labelled Sebastian Dalinger fecit Vienna anno 1780	December 2024	£18,087
Viola	Labelled Sebastian Dalinger, Viennae Anno 1796	March 2024	£9,600
Violin	35.7 cm Vienna, 1786	May 2009	£4,658
Violin	35.7 cm Vienna, 1786	February 2007	£4,200
Violin	Venice, 1786 c.	October 2005	£1,018
Violin	1805	July 2003	£2,937
Violin	1790	June 2001	£920
Violin	1782	June 1989	£2,860
Violin	1771	June 1988	£3,080
Violin	1783	November 1987	£2,200
Violin	1782	April 1982	£1,430

Maker Overview

Life

Sebastian Dallinger (1735-1809) was born in 1735 and died in 1809 in Vienna, Austria. He took the citizen's oath on January 23, 1768, and resided in the Kärnthner Viertel, Himmelpfortgasse. His name appears in tax books until 1787. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Dallinger was a very capable lute and violin maker, on par with Thir. Sources indicate that his name was consistently written as Dalinger by himself, though official documents sometimes recorded it as Tallinger or Dallinger.

Characteristics

Model: Dallinger's work often followed the Stainer model, characterized by a high arch and a deep edge flute. Later instruments, however, were less extreme in their arching.
Workmanship: His instruments exhibit very refined finish and careful craftsmanship. The outline, arching, and F-holes show beautiful curves, reminiscent of the Stainer model.
Wood: The wood used was generally good, though not always exceptionally beautiful.
Scrolls: Scrolls were finely carved, sometimes featuring a Stainer-like lion's head.
Varnish: , the varnish was often a little thin and not enhanced by a dull ground, usually appearing clear yellow. Some degraded examples have turned dark brown, while others show a quite substantial red-brown coat. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, however, states that the varnish was usually dark brown and lacked brilliance, though sometimes it was yellow. For instance, Korecky in Prague possesses a violoncello from 1803 by Dallinger with yellowish varnish.
Instruments: His violoncellos are particularly sought after. The Schottenstift in Vienna owns a violoncello by him from 1771.
Labels and Brands: At least one example of his work features a large brand on the upper back that reads: 'Sebastian Dallinger Vienna 1783'. Printed labels include: 'Sebastian Dalinger / Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Wien. 1783.', 'Sebastian Dalinger / Viennae. anno 1806', and 'Sebastian Dalinger / fecit Vien- / nae. Anno 1768'.

Recorded labels

Sebastian Dalinger
Lauten und Geigenmacher
in Wien. 1783John Dilworth
Sebastian Dalinger
Viennae. anno 1806John Dilworth
Sebastian Dalinger
fecit Vien-
nae. Anno 1768John Dilworth

Influence and legacy

Mentorship/Tradition: Sebastian Dallinger's work is noted for being on a par with that of Thir, indicating a shared high standard of Viennese lutherie.
Model Influence: His instruments frequently adopted the Stainer model, influencing their characteristic high arch and F-hole design.
Notable Instruments: His violoncellos are highly regarded and sought after.
Collections: A violoncello made by Dallinger in 1771 is part of the collection at the Schottenstift in Vienna. Korecky in Prague also owns a violoncello from 1803 by him.

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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

DALLINGER (DALINGER), Sebastien Born 1735, died 1809 Vienna Austria Very good work on the Stainer model with high arch and deep edge flute. Later instruments less extreme. Very refined finish. Finely carved scroll (sometimes replaced with a Stainer-like lion’s head). Varnish a little thin and not helped by a dull ground. Usually clear yellow, some degraded examples have turned dark brown, others with quite substantial red-brown coat. At least one example with large brand on upper back: ‘Sebastian Dallinger Vienna 1783’. Printed label: Sebastian Dalinger / Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Wien. 1783. Sebastian Dalinger / Viennae. anno 1806 Sebastian Dalinger / fecit Vien- / nae. Anno 1768

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Er wohnte im Kärnthner Viertel, Himmelpfortgasse, und legte am 23. Januar
1768 den Bürgereid ab. In den Steuerbüchern kommt er bis 1787 vor. Er war
ein mit Thir auf gleicher Stufe stehender, sehr tüchtiger Lauten- und Geigenmacher,
von dem namentlich die Violoncelli sehr gesucht sind. Ein solches von
1771 besitzt das Schottenstift in Wien. Er schrieb seinen Namen stets Dalinger, in den
Acten liest man dagegen: Tallinger, Tallinger und Dallinger. — Das Holz ist gut, wenn
auch nicht ausgesucht schön, die Arbeit sorgfältig. Umrisslinien, Wölbung und F-Löcher von schönem Schwung und an das Stainermodell erinnernd. Der Lack ist gewöhnlich dunkelbraun und ohne Feuer, manchmal aber auch gelb; so besitzt Korecky in Prag ein Violoncello von ihm aus dem Jahre 1803 mit gelblichem Lack.

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