The following is a facsimile of an authentic ticket of this great maker. [Illustration: Nicolaus Amatus Cremonen. Hieronymi Fil. ac Antonij Nepos Fecit. 1677] BERGONZI, CARLO, Cremona, flourished 1718-47. This maker was the best pupil of Stradivarius. He at first copied his great master, but subsequently started a model of his own; rather broad and heavy, and flat arching. The scroll is strongly pronounced and finely cut. The _f_ holes, which are unusually long, are placed low in the body, and very near the purfling. The wood is carefully selected and the general workmanship is of superior finish; only equalled by Nicolas Amati or Stradivarius. The varnish used by Bergonzi was reddish brown, rather thickly applied. [Illustration: Anno 1733 Carlo Bergonzi fece in Cremona Anno 17__ Reuifto e corretto da me Carlo Bergonzi in Cremona] BERGONZI, MICHAEL ANGELO, Cremona, 1720-60, son of Carlo, made good instruments, but they certainly suffer on comparison with those of his father. This maker had two sons called respectively Nicolaus, and Zosimo, who followed the same calling from 1739-65. [Illustration: Nicolaus Bergonzi Cremonensis faciebat Anno 17_60_ Fatto da me Zosimo Bergonzi F anno 17__ Cremona] CAPPA, GIOFREDO, an early maker who worked in Cremona about 1590 to 1640. He was a pupil of Hieronymus and Antonius Amati, when those brothers were in partnership. In 1640 he proceeded to Piedmont and founded the school of Saluzzio, and formed there many good pupils. Cappa succeeded best in the manufacture of violoncellos. [Illustration: IOFREDVS CAPPA FECIT SALVTVS ANNO 1630] GAGLIANO, ALLESSANDRO, born about 1640, died at Naples in 1725. He is said to have commenced operation in Cremona, working under Stradivarius. His instruments are flat in model, rather large, and generally of fairly good tone throughout. Varnish light yellow. The badly cut scrolls tend to mar the otherwise symmetrical proportions of this maker’s instruments. Label as follows: [Illustration: Alessandri Gagliano Alumnus Stradivarius fecit Neapoli anno 1701] GAGLIANO, GENNARO, son of Allessandro, born about 1695, died 1750. He is considered the best maker of the family, and his instruments are, as a consequence, much sought after. He exercised great care in the selection of his wood, and used a much finer varnish than either his father or brother Nicolas. Whether or not he was a prolific maker is uncertain, but instruments of his are rarely to be met with. [Illustration: Januarius Gagliano, Filius Alexandri fecit Neap. 1732.]