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The signature 'F Wadams' is hidden inside one of the sound holes of the Victorian Birmingham-made violin. Francois Bignon and his colleague David Bruce Johnson have looked through endless violin maker encyclopaedias and census reports without any luck in finding this name.

F Wadams signature

The violin was given to Francois about a year ago by an Irish traditional music player Pat Molloy. Pat has also been in the dark about the history of the instrument.

Francois Bignon

Victorian violin mystery

The label shows it was made in Birmingham’s Victorian era. Everything from being unable to locate the maker to its shape is intriguing. It's not your regular violin.

Francois explains; "It is really quite singular in its shape and has a rich deep sound. The sound is suited to traditional music players - folk to be precise.

"It's rustic in style and possibly one of a series of violins made by the unidentifiable F Wadams as it has the number eight engraved onto it."

Detail of the 1891 violin

So far, 'number 8', made in 1891, is the only violin of this series known to be still in existance and its age means the violin is incredibly delicate.

Professional folk fiddle

"The front and back is very thin in comparison to regular violins. It is currently in a fragile state. The strings won't be attached until it has been strengthened. Also it very slightly resembles in its outline an early Italian instrument, the Brescian."

Victorian mystery violin

Francois explains: "We believe the violin was made in Birmingham but need to discover whether the label is genuine. It has been made in a very professional manner and it is a particularly high grade.

"We have researched the maker and we have nothing. No clues or signs that might provide any possible ideas about him. I usually like to tell people a little bit about the instrument they are purchasing, although at this stage this is not possible and this particular violin is not for sale.

Violin collections

"It can be said that I am actually probably more personally interested in finding out more about it. It is 30 years since Dave and I have known about this instrument, we hoped to have found something similar but we haven't."

They have many years of knowledge in this field of music and specialise in both old and new violins of all shapes and sizes. This violin they say sways more towards a fiddle in its composition but remains a mystery to them both.

Contact Moseley Violins if you can help

Francois and Dave are looking for someone to shed some light on the fiddle mystery. Anyone that has heard of or may be aware of the family name F Wadams should get in touch with Francois or Dave at info@moseleyviolins.co.uk