Antoine Despont

John Dilworth

DESPONT, Antoine Worked circa. 1634-1669 Paris France. ‘Maître d’instruments de musique’ working at the sign of ‘The Royal Lute’. Authentic instruments very rare, and, according to Vannes, he has been the victim of much falsification and misrepresentation. Held in good regard in his own time, the poor work that has since been given his labels has tended to reduce his later reputation. Henley, for example, gives a highly critical description of a coarse instrument of ‘slip-shod’ workmanship. Antoine Despont demeurant / A Paris / Sur le Pont Notre. Dame / Au Luth Royale / 1634

George Hart

Is said to have made excellent instruments of various patterns.

DIEULAFAIT, ———, 1720,
Viol-maker. A Viol da Gamba of this maker is at the Conservatoire, Paris.

Cecie Stainer

A maker in Paris about 1610. He followed the Italian patterns closely, but failed to obtain a good tone. His instruments, now very rare, are much sought after, although one that is known is said to be badly made and badly varnished.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff

trat 1636 im Processe Médard auch als Sachverständiger auf. Von ihm sollen
noch verschiedene gute Instrumente vorhanden sein, obwohl es selbst Vidal nicht
gelang, eines derselben ausfindig zu machen. Urkundlich wird der Name
D’Hespont geschrieben, Vidal schreibt »Despont« und Fétis »Despons«. Geigen,
die oberflächlich nach italienischem Vorbild gemacht sind, schlechtes Holz
und schlechten Lack haben und seinen Namen tragen, sind offenbar spätere
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