Juzek ID and Date?

[TomMartin]

Hello Ken,
I've just had my Juzek (assumed) spruced up and took some photos before the dings and scratches begin. Any help in identifying the origin and date will be welcome!
Thanks,
Tom Martin

[Ken Smith]

I would say pre-war if the label is Czech, this being late 1930s as I have seen basses from 1933 and '34 that were dated and older. This means really Schoenbach on the Cezch side of the German border. NOT in Prague, Juzeks 'birth' place. Not a single imported Germanic style bass labeled by Juzek was EVER made in Prague. Prague style basses are totally different. Juzek did not usually date their basses but some pre-war basses and Violins were. The two I saw had Violin labels that were not used in basses.

[TomMartin]

Ken,
Thanks for the rapid reply. Would that make this a Wilfer?
Thanks,
Tom

[Ken Smith]

Ken,
Thanks for the rapid reply. Would that make this a Wilfer?
Thanks,
Tom


Well, the two main shops supplying basses to Juzek at that time were Anton Wilfer and Benedict Lang I, both in Schoenbach. The model and varnish looks move like Lang to me but, who knows who all the players were back then. They also may have contracted work out as well. The Wilfer basses I have see from then were violin models, high figure, individual chrome metal gears and a transparent golden brown varnish. Not dark or shaded like this. The Crest on the upper back as different, more elaborate then. Also, I have seen a Lang 5-string from that period as well that was the same look as your bass. It was a 'Lang' marked bass found in Europe and not an export bass.