1/8th-sized cello

Small cellos made expressly for children are extremely rare. Few were made and their survival in good condition is even more unusual. The workmanship of the instrument is particularly fine and the inscription on its label suggests that it may have been a commission for an aristocratic patron: "Fait pour la petite Contesse Marie ". Auguste Sébastien Philippe Bernardel was a leading figure in French violin making in the 19th century and was the founder of an important workshop. His work stands alongside that of Lupot and Vuillaume. He was particularly noted for his cellos, which are the most highly valued instruments from his oeuvre.