Paul Hilaire – Cello, 1959 (France)
A cello made in 1959 by Paul Hilaire (1906–1967), a French luthier who trained in the Mirecourt tradition and served as the principal collaborator and successor to Georges Apparut. After Apparut’s death, Hilaire continued the workshop under the name “Établissements Apparut & Hilaire,” producing violins, violas, and cellos, with a particular emphasis on cello making throughout his career.

This instrument bears Hilaire’s printed maker label together with a handwritten inscription reading “Made especially for William Moennig and Son – Année 1959 – No. 493.” William Moennig & Son of Philadelphia was one of the leading American violin firms of the 20th century, known for commissioning new instruments from respected French, Italian, and English makers.

The cello shows clean workmanship and high-quality materials consistent with Hilaire’s mature output. The two-piece maple back is made from highly flamed tonewood with narrow, regular figure, matched to the ribs. The spruce top is of even, medium-grain wood of excellent quality. The varnish is a transparent orange-red laid over a warm ground, applied with clarity. The scroll is neatly carved with balanced symmetry, and the f-holes are upright and carefully cut. The arching is moderate and smoothly graduated in keeping with mid-20th-century French making traditions.

This 1959 example reflects Hilaire’s established working style and the documented relationship between his workshop and William Moennig & Son during the mid-century period.

• Year Made – 1959 Mirecourt France
• Labeled – Paul Hilaire
• Length of Back – 760mm 
• Condition – Excellent