Jean Baptiste Vuillaume was one of the most prolific violin makers of all time, having made or overseen the production of over 3000 instruments during the course of his 50+ year career. In many ways, his business model became the blueprint for the modern violin shop; buying and selling antique violins, producing new violins and bows, and employing and training a staff of highly talented makers to assist in this effort. His relationship with Luigi Tarisio afforded him access to some of the greatest instruments ever made, most of which came from the collection of Count Cozio di Salabue, drawing a direct line back to Stradivari and Guadagnini amongst others. His unrivaled access to these instruments informed his making, and for the first time in history, a maker had the ability to make bench copies of consistently exceptional quality, in this case, of Guarneri del Gesu.

This stunning and well preserved example of his most sought after model by Guarneri del Gesu, dates to 1866. Vuillaume's instruments have long been prized by both musicians and collectors, concertized upon by many professional musicians. They are the favored instruments of soloist Hillary Hahn, who owns two violins by this maker.