Things that might indicate genuine age include, a grafted scroll, varnish wear, build up of rosin on the top and ribs-especially on the treble side, and dust and dirt inside. Often older violins that have not been used for a long time might have gut strings and perhaps a string tied around the soundpost.
I've been following this thread with interest, as I also enjoy the "hunt", but I don't have the foggiest what the significance of a string tied around a soundpost has? (A recent purchase, however, does have such a string). Could you please explain? Thanks, Ron.