Johann Joseph Held

b. July 17, 1823, Flamersheim, Rheinbach (Cologne). When only 14 began to repair old instruments, and a few years later made new ones. In 1860 started his business in Euskirchen; moved to his present abode at Beuel vis-a-vis Bonn (Rhine), 1871. He makes from 12 to 16 violins and violas a year, assisted by his son and one workman, but always does the varnishing himself; copies the Italian patterns. Was awarded: Diploma, Vienna, 1873; medal, Düsseldorf, 1880; diploma, Detmold, 1881 ; silver medals at Krems and Wels, 1882; Milan. 1884; and medal, Gorlitz, 1889.