Victor Gardener, also known by his Italian name Vittore E. Giardinieri, was a prolific and self-taught American luthier, who built over 400 instruments in his lifetime. He was born in 1909 in Lake Creek, Oregon. Due to his family’s financial situation they were not able to afford to buy him a violin, so at age 19 he built one himself. He was unique among luthiers because, aside from being self-taught, he would procure the wood to build his instruments himself and would build each part, including the chin rest and pegs. He was known for his craftsmanship, his knowledge of wood and was a mentor to many well known American luthiers.

• Year Made – 1973 Oregon 
• Labeled – Acero da E.T.W. Tepper, Shady Cove, Oregon U.S.A. Vittore E. Giardinieri da Cavalese fatto anno 1973
• Length of Back 758 mm 
• Condition – Excellent