Violin Maker
Camillo Mandelli

Maker Background

Guglielmo Secondo Camillo Mandelli, known as “Camillo da Calco”, was born in Calco (Como) in 1873. Trained initially as a carpenter, he entered violin making in Milan around 1890 under the guidance of Leandro Bisiach and the Antoniazzi brothers, absorbing the disciplined structure and stylistic clarity of the emerging Milanese revival.

In 1899 he moved to Buenos Aires, where he worked for over two decades before returning to Italy around 1920. He later settled in Sesto San Giovanni in 1936, remaining active there until his death in 1956. Throughout his career he maintained connections with the Bisiach workshop, contributing to the continuity of its tradition.

Mandelli’s instruments reflect strong Antoniazzi influence, executed with care and fine materials. His varnish typically ranges from golden-orange to deep red-brown spirit finishes. He used various labels, often accompanied by internal stamps or a branded mark with intersecting initials. While best known for violins and cellos, he also produced a limited number of double basses.

His instruments are appreciated for their reliability, clarity, and balanced tonal character — representative of the refined Milanese school of the early 20th century.