Born at Waltenhofen (Upper Bavaria), 1687. Worked at Prague, 1720-1770. Pupil of Thomas Edlinger. Workmanship far above mediocrity, but stops short when the highest steps should have been reached which lead to the temple of fame. Therefore these instruments, though having a good reputation, have failed to conspicuously attract. Modelling strongly reminiscent of the narrow-waisted and long Amati, but with slightly more arching suggestive of the Klotz type. Always excellent wood. Sound-holes well treated. Small scroll, not quite satisfactory to fastidious connoisseurs. Early dated instruments varnished pale yellow; ventured on a dark brown tint about 1740; but later applied a much richer orange-brown oil varnish with yellow ground which certainly emphasises the beauty of wood. Fairly mellow tone, but only moderately powerful, and frequently weak on fourth string.
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Georges Hellemer
pragensis me fecit
anno domini 1720
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Joannes Georgius Helmer
me fecit Pragae. 1761
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(Italicised lettering, also bearing the design of a violin and lute crossed. Sometimes written).
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Joannes Giorgius Hellmer
Pragensis me fecit 1742
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Sometimes branded on the groove at lower part of scroll. Beethoven owned and played on one of these violins. Produced a few violas, and some now rather eagerly sought for ’cellos. Many oil varnished imitations with facsimile labels produced by several firms in Saxony, 1930. £70, 1959.
Born at Waltenhofen (Upper Bavaria), 1687. Worked at Prague, 1720-1770. Pupil of Thomas Edlinger. Workmanship far above mediocrity, but stops short when the highest steps should have been reached which lead to the temple of fame. Therefore these instruments, though having a good reputation, have failed to conspicuously attract. Modelling strongly reminiscent of the narrow-waisted and long Amati, but with slightly more arching suggestive of the Klotz type. ...
Helmer,Joanes Georgius 
