"Albert, John - Born Freiberg, Germany. Died 1887. Studied law in Germany and worked as a lawyer, made violins as a hobby. Moved to the United States in 1848 and worked in New York City. Moved to Philadelphia some time before 1857, and continued making violins until his death. Guarneri model with long, slender f-holes. Preferred a transparent golden brown spirit varnish. Used some domestic maple. Early labels were handwritten, others were handwritten directly on the back. Fine workmanship. Made a large number of instruments".