The Kloz family is synonymous with the Mittenwald school of violin making, as Mathias (I) learned his craft in Italy before launching his family empire around 1680. A trade route ran from Augsburg to Italy, bringing wealth and undoubtedly examples of early Italian violin making to the little town of Mittenwald. The Kloz traits are most interesting, marrying the then-popular Stainer model with new Italian influences. Quality wood was plentiful in the surrounding and ancient  forrests of the Bavarian Alps. Sebastian Kloz is considered to be the most prolific maker in this family.  His violins typically have slightly rounded shoulders, he used very tight-grained spruce for his tops, backs of plain or tight-flamed maple, and varying shades of brown varnish. This violin is a standout in every respect. It’s dated from 1760 and was once part of the famed Fridolin Hamma Collection – it appears as PLATE #35 in the book published in 1948 and will forever be an immortal beloved. It also has a certificate from Mathias Niessen dated from 1950.