DARCHE.—Nineteenth century. A well-known Mirecourt family working in Brussels and Aix. Their instruments are of the style and character of Vuillaume.
DAVIS, William.—London; to 1846. Was a dealer and repairer in a large way in Coventry Street.
DEARLOVE, Mark William.—Leeds; nineteenth century. The violoncellos and double-basses show good work and are in favour amongst orchestral players. He was for some time in partnership with John Fryer.
DE COMBLE, Ambroise.—Tournay; about 1735 and later. Reputed to have worked with Antonio Stradivari, which is unlikely. Work not usually highly finished. Varnish red, of fine quality. Well-cut scrolls. Labels are written. There seem to be more violoncellos than violins of his make in this country.
DECONET, Michele.—Venice. Seems to have worked until after 1780. There are, or were not long ago, a certain number of spurious “Deconets” in this country; one individual, well known amongst London dealers, is said to have “specialised” in such things. Deconet used a variety of labels, written and printed, and his name is frequently spelt with a small “d.” His work is not unlike that of Montagnana, by whom he is said to have been employed. Good (sometimes excellent) varnish of the Venetian type, and red or red-brown colour. It is said that in later life he worked in Padua.
DEGANI, Eugenio.—Venice; contemporary. A good workman who has obtained several medals for his instruments. Frequently uses purfling made in five strips (three black and two white) and works on a model of his own design.
DERAZEY, Honoré.—Mirecourt, Paris; to about 1875. Some of his copies are good sound instruments; chiefly Stradivari pattern. His son, Justin Derazey, was a manufacturer on a large scale, and bought the business of “didier” Nicholas from the latter’s widow.
DEROUX.—Mirecourt, Paris; nineteenth century. There were two makers of the name. Georges, died 1889 (Reims). Worked for Derazey, and Mougenot of Brussels. Work branded, and name sometimes pencilled in instruments. His son, Auguste, born 1848, worked with Hippolyte Silvestre, and Miremont. Is a good repairer and a medallist.
DESPINE, Alexander.—Turin. Worked until about 1845. Was employed by Pressenda, and made some fine violins which bear that maker’s ticket. Occasionally copied Guarneri, del Gesù. Piatti at one time possessed a violoncello made by him.
DE VITOR, Pietro Paolo.—Venice, Brescia; about 1740. Made some large fiddles of Maggini pattern.