Johann Christian Ficker’s dates of birth and death have not yet been verified. However, there are undoubtedly instruments dating from around 1720—Johann Christian Ficker II was not born until 1735 and can therefore not have made these violins.
The instrument was modernized, resulting in the loss of the neck, bass bar, and other components. However, numerous original Vogtland instruments from the first half of the 18th century that have survived to this day make it possible to reconstruct the lost parts for the purpose of creating a replica. The proximity and close ties among the Markneukirchen masters within the guild led to a great similarity in their work, which is evident in both style and construction.