This violin was handmade by Johann Georg Schmidt in 1768. The back is one piece well figured maple and the top is of fine evenly grained spruce with center join.  According to William Henley's Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers, Johann "worked at Ellwangen (Bavaria), 1740-1770.  Modelling of medium arching.  Waist-curves have a rather pronounced swerve from the middle downwards.  Unusually deep ribs, giving the instrument a flatter appearance than actually.  Precipitous scroll of some originality.  Golden brown varnish of fairly substantial texture.  Belly wood generally acoustically good.  Tonal quality semi-mellow.  Not unlike some of the instruments of Benedict Wagner."  The violin has been fully restored and is excellent condition.