Charles Adolphe Gand

Born in Paris, France in 1812.

Son and pupil of Charles Francois Gand (1787-1845).
He began making musical instruments around 1830 (at the age of 18), and in 1855 he established the company Gand Frères in collaboration with his brother, Charles Nicolas Eugène Gand (1825-1892), and expanded the business to great success.
First prize at the 1855 Paris Exhibition.
In 1862 he was awarded the Legion of Honor.

He had specialized knowledge of classical string instruments and was well-known as an enthusiast and restorer, receiving repair requests from the Paris Opera and even the Emperor.
As he also worked in repair and restoration, he did not make many instruments, but he made very detailed and carefully crafted instruments, using a soft orange varnish, and produced some magnificent instruments, especially Stradivarius models.
Gand Frères also created a brand of musical bows and sold them branded with "GAND FRERES A PARIS."

He died in Paris, France in 1866 (at the age of 54).