A viola made by Louis M. Condax, who was both a skilled maker and a research chemist. Condax became deeply involved in research the early violin varnishes and went to Europe on a grant from the Mellon Foundation to investigate evidences of the different varnishes used by the seventeenth and eighteenth century makers, particularly in Northern Italy. The two-piece maple back is of medium to broad curl descending on the treble side, and ascending on the bass side. The two-piece spruce table is of fine grain broadening towards the flanks. The varnish is a brownish orange color over a light gold ground. Measurements: Length of Back: 433 mm, Upper Bouts: 214 mm, Middle Bouts: 147 mm, Lower Bouts: 254 mm, String Length: 378 mm.