John W. Billey

BILLEY, John W. Born 1918 Elkhart, Indiana, Worked from c.1965 Albuquerque, New Mexico USA. Pupil of Max Hunter in Elkhart and Beverly Maxedon in Niles. Active from 1934; established in Albuquerque from c.1965. About 20 violins made on Stradivari and Guarneri models with fine golden brown oil varnish. Chiefly occupied with repair work. Label on upper block: Deo volente ego hoc feci / John W.Billey / Elkhart. Ind. Anno 19.. Deo volente ego hoc feci / John W.Billey / Albuquerque N.M. Anno 19.. [Woodcock]