CHANOT.—A name famous in the annals of fiddle-making. The first maker of the name was Joseph, a native of Mirecourt, who died about 1830. François, an engineer, was born at Mirecourt, 1788, died at Brest, 1823. He experimented much upon the form and construction of the violin, and made, amongst other things, guitar shaped fiddles. Georges Chanot I. born at Mirecourt, 1801, died Courcelles, 1883, was the most celebrated maker of the family, and worked in Paris. He was one of the best judges of old instruments of his time. His best violins and basses are beautifully made and chiefly of Stradivari and Guarneri pattern. They command at the present day good prices and are rising in value. A son, Georges II., worked for many years in London, and was also well known as a dealer and repairer. He died in 1893. His sons, George Adolphus, Frederick (died 1911), and Joseph Anthony, have all become known as makers. G. A. Chanot lives in Manchester, and Joseph Anthony is established in Wardour Street, London.
CHAPPUY, Nicholas Augustin.—Paris, Mirecourt; 1750-90. Instruments of unequal merit, some being of a very common class, inferior varnish and finish. Good examples have generally a tone of good quality and considerable power. What may be described as his own pattern is inelegant, flattish model, short corners, and broad in the waist; yellow and yellowish-brown varnish.
CHARDON.—Paris; contemporary. A well-known firm. Joseph Maria Chardon was a pupil of Georges Chanot, whose daughter he married.
CHARLES, J.—Marseilles; about 1780. Pretty work in style of Guersan. He was a nephew of that maker.
CHERPITEL, Nicholas Émile.—Paris; died 1893.
CHEVRIER.—Nineteenth century. A Mirecourt family who worked there and in Paris.
CHRÉTIEN, Hippolyte.—Lyons, Paris; contemporary. A good maker. Nephew of Silvestre, whose name he assumed. Firm Silvestre and Maucotel.
CLAUDOT.—Nineteenth century. Mirecourt family numbering several makers. Charles Claudot, 1794-1876, adopted the brand often seen on the backs of instruments, “Marquis de l’air l’oiseau.” Other members of the family branded their names on their work.
CLÉMENT, Jean Laurent.—Paris; about 1800-48. Substantially made instruments with good varnish, usually red-brown, and handsome wood. Large pattern violins.
COLLIN-MEZIN, Charles Jean Baptist.—Paris; contemporary. Born Mirecourt. Some of the instruments made about thirty years ago are esteemed and possess a good tone. Later specimens seem to be of the “factory class,” and are of little account.