France School
Auguste Delivet
Mirecourt, Paris, 1861–1928
Auguste Delivet (1861-1928) was a French luthier born in Mirecourt who established a significant career in Paris before emigrating to Canada. He apprenticed in Mirecourt, with sources citing either Victor Rambaux or Chardin as his teacher. After working for H. C. Silvestre, he opened his own successful Parisian workshop. Delivet's instruments were known for their fine French craftsmanship, careful work, and good tone, often utilizing oil varnish. He was also a respected repairer and created unique string instruments, including those for musical clowns. He earned several gold medals and a Grand Prix for his work. After moving to Canada, he worked for R. S. Williams & Sons in Toronto before continuing his craft independently in Montreal.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1900 c. | April 2010 | £7,856 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1920 | April 2010 | £2,225 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1927 | October 2009 | £2,410 |
| Cello | 75.6 cm Paris, 1908 n°167 (some restorations) | June 2009 | £12,965 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1903 | March 2009 | £2,574 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1913 #235 | June 2008 | £1,485 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1908 #200 | February 2007 | £4,080 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1907 | October 2006 | £1,686 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1897, n°31 (restored soundpost crack) | June 2006 | £890 |
| Violin | Paris, 1917 | March 2004 | £2,160 |
| Violin | 1902 | July 2003 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 1908 | June 2000 | £1,958 |
| Violin | 19-- | May 1997 | £1,286 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 65 g. | November 1996 | £1,495 |
| Violin | 1927 | March 1994 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1919 | November 1993 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1904 | March 1981 | £923 |
Maker Overview
Life
Auguste Delivet (1861-1928) was born in Mirecourt, France, in 1861 and later died in Montreal, Canada, in 1928. He served an apprenticeship in Mirecourt. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his early training; John Dilworth states he was the nephew and pupil of Victor Rambaux, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies Chardin in Mirecourt as his teacher and notes him as the grand-nephew of Victor Rambaux. Delivet worked for H. C. Silvestre in Paris from 1887 until 1892, after which he opened his own shop at 10 rue de Paris in 1892. He subsequently moved his workshop to 49 rue Richer. In 1918, he emigrated to Canada, initially working for Williams in Toronto before establishing himself independently in Montreal.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Auguste Delivet's instruments are characterized by fine work and typical French craftsmanship of his period.
- Quality
- Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his new violins were popular due to their careful workmanship and good tone.
- Repair
- He was also highly regarded as a repairer.
- Varnish
- For his fine instruments, he utilized oil varnish.
- Variety
- He constructed all other string instruments, notably creating original pieces for musical clowns.
- Production for Williams
- While working for Williams in Toronto, instruments were produced in three grades; the cheapest were marked 'under the direction of A. Delivet', while the best bore his brand 'A. Delivet' on the lower rib.
- Grand Prix (Collective)
A. Delivet
Luthier
No.. Année 19..John Dilworth - Ex-Ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre
Paris. Made in the workshops of
The R. S. Williams & Sons Co. Limited. Toronto Canada. A.Delivet; Luthier
ex-ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre
Paris année 1896John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship:, he was the nephew and pupil of Victor Rambaux.
- Mentorship: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states he was a pupil of Chardin in Mirecourt.
- Employment: He worked for H. C. Silvestre in Paris from 1887 until 1892.
- Awards: Auguste Delivet received gold medals at Nantes in 1904, and at Liège in both 1905 and 1906, among other accolades.
- Exposition: He was awarded a Grand Prix (Collective) at the Exposition Universelle in Liège.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
DELIVET, Auguste Born 1861 Mirecourt France died 1928 Montreal Canada Served Mirecourt apprenticeship. Nephew and pupil of Victor Rambaux. Worked for H. C. Silvestre in Paris from 1887, before opening his own shop at.10 rue de Paris in 1892. Moved shortly after to 49 rue Richer. Emigrated to Canada 1918, working at first for Williams in Toronto, later working by himself in Montreal. Instruments made for Williams in three grades: the cheapest ‘under the direction of A. Delivet’, the best bearing his brand on the lower rib: ‘A. Delivet’. Gold medals at Nantes 1904, Liège 1905 and 1906, and elsewhere. Fine work; typical French craftsmanship of this period. Exposition Universelle. Liège. Grand Prix (Collective) / A. Delivet / Luthier / No.. Année 19.. Ex-Ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre / Paris. Made in the workshops of / The R. S. Williams & Sons Co. Limited. Toronto Canada. A.Delivet; Luthier / ex-ouvrier de H. C. Silvestre / Paris année 1896 No..
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Grossneffe von Victor Rambaux, Schüler von Chardin in Mirecourt, kam
1887 nach Paris zu H. C. Silvestre, bei dem er bis 1892 blieb. Er eröffnete
hierauf in der Rue de Paris 10 seine eigene Werkstatt und macht neue Geigen,
die wegen ihrer sorgfältigen Arbeit und ihres guten Tones beliebt sind; auch
als Reparateur wird er geschätzt. für feine Instrumente verwendet er Öllack. Er baut auch alle anderen Saiteninstrumente und besonders solche für musikalische Clowns, die sich durch Originalität auszeichnen.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Working in Mirecourt at the same time
(fils) Acoulon worked 1913–1930
(Pingrier) Frederic Pingrie worked 1895
A. Morhange worked 1919
Adolphe Dupary 1870–1940
Aimable Antoine Thouvenel 1815–1890
Albert Cunin 1865–1890
Albert Joseph Deblaye 1874–1929