This violin was made in Bologna in 1977 by Otello Bignami (1914–1989), a principal figure of the modern Bolognese school. It bears the maker’s printed label dated 1977 with the inscription “Allievo G. Pollastri – 1° Premio 3° Concorso Nazionale di S. Cecilia” and is branded on the interior back with Bignami’s circular interlaced OB monogram, a marking documented across his later work.

The instrument is built on Bignami’s personal Stradivari-influenced model. The two-piece maple back displays narrow to medium ascending flame, matched by similarly flamed ribs, and the top is of spruce with even, straight grain. The varnish is a transparent orange–brown typical of his work from the mid-1970s, applied over a light ground with the soft texture seen in examples from this period.

The scroll shows the broad, rounded volutes and lightly colored chamfers characteristic of Bignami’s mature style. Purfling is narrow and precisely inlaid, and the cornerwork is neatly finished, with short, well-defined bee-stings and clean miters that align closely with the corner outline. The arching is moderately full and smoothly graduated, and the f-holes follow the maker’s regular pattern for this decade.

Overall, the violin presents workmanship, materials, and stylistic features consistent with authenticated examples of Otello Bignami’s output during the 1970s.

• Year Made – 1977 revised 1981
• Labeled – Otello Bignami Allievo C. Pollastri (1st premio… concorso nazionale di S Cecilia) Fece In Bologna 1977 (signed)
• Second Label – Same label from 1981; added in Italian handwriting: “repaired and perfected against corrosion”
• Length of Back –   355 mm
• Condition – Excellent