Melville Andrews made this violin from a collapsed Bangor bridge, with a spruce top, and two pieces of American maple on the back. "Guarnerius Model" is written inside the instrument’s body.
Patterns for Guarnerius style violins come from early master violin makers, the Guarneri family, from Italy in the1600s. For centuries afterward, violin makers like Andrews copied the style.
Melville Andrews made his living leading bands, teaching music, and crafting violins in Bangor. He played in the 12th Maine Regiment band during the American Civil War.
