(b. Saddleworth, near Oldham, Nov. 1819; d. Rochdaie, Ja n . 18, 1899), English violin-makor and repairer. Originally a joiner and pattern-maker, as well as the inventor of several improvements in wood-cutting machines, Priestnall did not devote himself entirely to violin-making until 1870. From th a t year until his death he made some 300 excellent violins, 30 violas, 6 violoncellos and 8 double-basses. Tho wood of these instruments is mostly regular in figure, the workmanship finished, tho scrolls cut with a free firm hand, the sound-holes pleasing but somewhat quaint, and the gold-amber oil varnish transparent and handsome. The tone of the violins is powerful, but has something of the viola quality on the lower strings. Priestnall's instruments do not bear a conventional label, but his name is stamped upon the wood with a cold punch in several places, and the opus number marked on the button. As a repairer this maker's inventive genius stood him in good stead, and brought him considerable fame, and a vast number of old English and French violins owe their regeneration to his clever manipulation. During his lifetime Priestnall sold his fiddles for