Sesto Rocchi (1909-1981) started violin making in his childhood, after having attempted to repair his violin. He worked with Gaetano Sgarabotto starting in 1927 in Parma.  He later worked in Sgarabotto’s teacher Leandro Bisiach’s workshop.  There he also learned from Venegono Superiore.  After a period in Berlin with Ströbl and with the Monzino firm in Milan, he was drafted into the military.  It was not until after World War II that Sesto resumed making instruments.  He tended to use a Amati model with wide and round form with soft rounded edging.

The Label printed says “Lalla, Sextus Rocchi” and dated 1958.  It is then signed “Rocchi Sesto” and has printed initials “S.R.”.  The viola measures 16-5/8″ in length.