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Fine double bass by Albert Volkmann double bass specialist of Schonbach Bohemia c1910, with 110cm (43.25") two-piece maple swell back showing a strong narrow curl with ribs and neck block to match; strong narrow-to-medium grain spruce table with golden amber spirit varnish over a yellow ground; Albert Volkmann Schonbach trade-mark monogram to button; bears retailer's label for Karl Hammerschmidt & Sohne Watzkenreuth and various repair labels; peg box fitted with four separate brass machine heads; fitted with Stefan Krattenmacher bridge but also has original bridge carved with Albert Volkmann monogram; 181cm (71.25") overall; with Vickers French pattern silver mounted double bass bow stamped J.E. Vickers; in lined soft carrying case and Stephenson hard flight case profusely covered with world-wide destination labels. Albert Volkmann violin/cello/bass maker was born in Schonbach in 1869 son of Alfred Volkmann also a violin/cello/bass maker. His son and family died by suicide in 1944 and Albert never recovered dying of mental illness in 1945. Schonbach, now called Luby, was originally in the Bohemian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and commonly called 'Austrian Cremona'. Biographical note: This instrument has been owned by professional musician Roy Babbington since 1967 having been previously owned by Colin O'Brien deceased of Stockton who purchased it in Germany c1960. No history is known prior to 1960. Roy Babbington, a professional musician since 1958, is best known for his work in jazz and recording and broadcasting sessions. Since 1970 the instrument has featured with, among many others, BBC Orchestra and The BBC Big band for twenty years; recording, festivals and touring; Stan Tracey various units for twenty years international touring and recording; many visiting American players; Mose Alison UK/Europe nineteen years seasons, festivals and recording; most recently touring and filming with Michael Legrand. Roy was voted best British bassist and fifth in the world in the Melody Maker jazz poll in 1974. More biographical details on the internet including images of Roy with the instrument.

Friendly, helpful, polite service. Thankyou paul

Tim P, April 2025

1st time bought through Duggleby auction house.Impressed with actual auction,it was precise,clear and speedy. Collection of bought items was easy,staff on premises were very helpful. A good auction experience.

TREVOR W, March 2025

Great experience from start to finish.

Keith F, March 2025

Lee was brilliant helping us pack the artwork in our car he was very interested in our choices and was a joy to deal with.

Diane T, March 2025

Excellent service from the start to collection. My first, but not my last. B B

Brian B, March 2025

It is a clear, clean-looking website. It is easy to check out my payment and arrange collection— thanks.

richard A, March 2025

Super service all the staff we met were efficient,pleasant and a pleasure to deal with.Thank you for a great buying experience.

J. R.Harvey R, March 2025

Friendly, helpful and a great place to find some lovely items..

I G, March 2025

Great bargain very helpful friendly staff great online bidding 👍

Martin P, February 2025

An excellent auction house to deal with. Very clearly laid out and straightforward online registration, bidding, payment and collection arrangements. A pleasant experience all round!

Nick C, February 2025

Always professional service and pleasant people to work with. Thank you.

Polly P, February 2025

Lucy was very professional and helpful. A***** employee!!

Tim B, February 2025

Very efficient Treated with a bit of fun and a smile Served immediately no waiting at all

Graham S, February 2025

Knowledgeable and friendly team . Very professional and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend

C K, February 2025

Very efficient auction house, staff very helpfull and a great auction house to both sell and buy.

Ian B, February 2025

Friendly, efficient and very knowledgeable - everyone I dealt with went out of their way to answer my queries and be helpful. Thank you, Lee, for the logistics help and advice about transport too!

Catherine B, July 2024

All the staff I dealt with both face to face, email or over the phone were so friendly and helpful. The system is efficient and informative at each stage. With thanks Graham

Graham S, July 2024

Very smooth process, from bidding and winning the three watercolours to the very welcoming and friendly staff when I collected them today.

William M, July 2024