J. A. Co. Baader

Name: J. A. Co. Baader auction price records, Amati Instrument Archive
Creator: Amati

Mittenwald, d. 1934

J. A. Co. Baader was a prominent and significant firm in Mittenwald, Germany, known for its extensive production of plucked and bowed instruments. Founded around 1770 or 1790, the company operated until at least 1934, with its factory located at 155 Obere Markstrasse. The firm, led by figures such as Johann Paul Baader and later Max Baader, was recognized for producing good quality instruments, including violins and zithers, at competitive prices, and exported them worldwide. Both Johann Paul and Max Baader held the esteemed title of Royal Warrant Holder. The company also played a crucial role in employing many local violin makers in Mittenwald.

Worked Mittenwald

Made Violin

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£1,980

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Violin	35.4 cm	December 2010	£456
Violin	36.3 cm Mittenwald, 1880 c	December 2009	£1,177
Violin	31.0 cm Mittenwald, 19th C. Pochette	November 2008	£599
Violin	35.9 cm Mittenwald, 1908	October 2007	£403
Violin	33.8 cm Child's size	May 2006	£111
Violin		March 2005	£420
Violin	1900 c.	February 2005	£151
Violin	1926 c.	February 2005	£656
Violin	Mittenwald, 1930	February 2004	£397
Violin	1927	May 2000	£1,494
Violin	1926	May 1999	£246
Violin	1917	May 1998	£335
Violin	1850 c.	November 1993	£706
Violin	1922	April 1992	£220
Violin	1920 c.	January 1992	£440
Violin	1906	June 1991	£308
Violin	1900 c. 1/4 Size	March 1991	£264
Violin	1910	November 1990	£660
Violin	1903	December 1989	£506
Violin	1897	November 1989	£1,980
Violin	1895	March 1989	£616
Violin	1888 c.	March 1989	£440
Violin	1910	November 1988	£330
Violin	1910 c.	May 1988	£99

Maker Overview

Life

J. A. Co. Baader was a prominent firm in Mittenwald, Germany. Sources contain conflicting information regarding its founding date;, the firm could trace its establishment to 1770, while a label cited by John Dilworth indicates a founding in 1790. The company's operations are noted by John Dilworth to have spanned from approximately 1790 until 1934. The firm's factory production was located at 155 Obere Markstrasse in Mittenwald. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes J. A. Co. Baader as the most significant firm in Mittenwald, alongside Neuner & Hornsteiner. The long-standing owner, Johann Paul Baader, passed away on June 24, 1899, at the age of 89. His successor was Max Baader, born on January 18, 1843., the firm was well-known for manufacturing violins at the lowest possible prices and exported instruments globally to regions including America, Switzerland, Russia, and England.

Characteristics

Production: The firm manufactured all forms of plucked and bowed instruments, offering various grades from machine-made to hand-crafted.
Quality: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that despite their unusually low prices, the violins produced were quite good, featuring beautiful wood and either oil or spirit varnish. The zithers made by the firm also met stringent requirements.
Models: Cecie Stainer mentions that some violins made after the Stainer pattern were exhibited in Munich in 1854, and these instruments were praised for their full and beautiful tone.
Labeling: The firm used labels bearing its company name.

Recorded labels

Koniglich Bayerische Hof-Saiteninstrumenten Fabrik
von J. A. Baader & Co. Besitzt Max Baader
Gegrundet 1790
in Mittenwald a
Isar. Bayern
No.. 18..John Dilworth

Influence and legacy

Local Employment: A significant portion of the local violin makers in Mittenwald either worked for or were employed by J. A. Co. Baader.
Training and Travel: Max Baader, who succeeded Johann Paul Baader, received his training in the family business and undertook further educational travels throughout Germany, England, and America.
Skilled Workforce: Max Baader worked with highly skilled individuals.
Royal Warrant Holder: Both Johann Paul Baader and his successor, Max Baader, held the title of Hoflieferant (Royal Warrant Holder), as documented by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

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Biographies

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

John Dilworth+

BAADER J. A. & Co. Worked circa. 1790 – died 1934 Mittenwald Germany. Factory production located at 155 Obere Markstrasse. Various grades from machine made to hand-crafted. All forms of plucked and bowed instruments manufactured. Koniglich Bayerische Hof-Saiteninstrumenten Fabrik / von J. A. Baader & Co. Besitzt Max Baader / Gegrundet 1790 / in Mittenwald a /Isar. Bayern / No.. 18..

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Neben Neuner & Hornsteiner die bedeutendste Firma in Mittenwald, die
ihre Gründung in das Jahr 1770 setzen kann. Ein grosser Theil der Geigenmacher
des Ortes steht in Diensten dieser Firma oder arbeitet für dieselbe.
Der langjährige Inhaber Johann Paul Baader starb am 24. Juni 1899 im
89. Lebensjahre. Jetzt ist Max B., geb. 18. Jan. 1843, sein Nachfolger. Er
lernte im väterlichen Geschäfte, unternahm zu seiner weiteren Ausbildung
Reisen durch Deutschland, England und Amerika. Er ist, wie sein Vater, Hoflieferant
und arbeitet mit trefflich geschulten Leuten. Seine Geigen sind trotz
ihrer ungewöhnlichen Billigkeit recht gut, das Holz ist schön, ebenso der öl- oder
Spirituslack. Auch die Zithern, die bei ihm hergestellt werden, entsprechen
strengen Anforderungen. Er verwendet Zettel mit seiner Firma.

Cecie Stainer+

Well-known manufacturers of violins for the lowest possible prices, established in Mittenwald. They send instruments to all parts of the world, America, Switzerland, Russia, England &c. Some violins made after the Stainer pattern were exhibited in Münich, 1854, the tone was full and beautiful.

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