A little perspective...

[Ken Smith]

If you look carefully at my Gilkes page, you will see the 'cut' marks from when the shoulders were reduced from a full Cello shape. That was what they made back them before the Panormo model took effect. The Forster with narror Ribs and full Cello shape on WOB website in Germany is also attributed to Peter Wamsley by another US dealer. If the Forster is labeled, PLEASE tell me exactly what is written on the label. There were 3 Williams in London (II, III and IV). II worked first for the King and is the first generation Forster in London. III hired Gilkes to be his Cello maker and train his youngest son Simon Andrew. Gilkes also made several instruments with IV as the records from 1810-1811 say B&G meaning made by Bill (William IV) and Gilkes.

The Cello shape was made in London as well as in Germany and France in the early days. After all, the V.Cello was referred to as the Bass and our instrument known as the Double Bass by the part it played was often just a blow-up of a Cello. They didn't know better back then what we would soon need to get over the shoulders nor did they care from the looks of things.