GeorgeH

Different CF bows can match to different violins in the exact same way that different wooden bows can.

Carbon fiber bows are real bows, and they work very well on many instruments for many players. Here is what is important to @DStein: Do not buy your mother a cello bow on your own. Bows, like violins, are very personal choices, and you are very likely to buy her a bow that she doesn't like, but may feel obligated to use. Buying her a bow is a wonderful gift idea, but she needs to be the one to personally select it. So take her out for a few afternoons, and enjoy the time together with her as she selects a bow she likes!

Shorter @Mat Roop: Go to violin-making school!

There is a nice John Friedrich c. 1904. Not mine. It was previously owned by Dorothy Campo: https://live.skinnerinc.com/lots/view/4-4CVPI1/american-violin-john-friedrich-new-york-1904

Is this situation unique or is it always impossible to separate, clean, and then rejoin a failing neck graft?

I think these are the labels used on the "E Martin" brand of trade violins before they were imported and distributed exclusively by Bruno in New York. The "E Martin" brand supposedly originated with a maker named "Wilhelm Ernst Martin," but I don't know if he actually existed or not.

That is correct.

What "all this" are you trying to do? If you're looking to buy a good violin to play, then you're best bet is to go to a reputable dealer.

@MaryS, before you get too far down a path with this violin, keep in mind that these violins were hurriedly made by piece-workers who knew essentially nothing about how to make a good-sounding violin, and that they did not care about how their production violins sounded. They only wanted to make a violin from cheap materials that was visually presentable and marginally playable. These were imported and sold in the United States for a few dollars (including a bow and case). They have earned the moniker "cheap and nasty" on this Maestronet because that is what they are. So you may want to consider if this particular example of "cheap and nasty" is truly worth your time and expense.

It depends on the reputation and experience and qualifications of the person doing the "authentication." If the person has no reputation, then their certificate of authenticity is basically worthless. In this case, Jean-Jacques Rampal is an internationally known expert in French string instruments, so a certificate of authenticity from him will add value to the instrument. In most cases, auctions will not issue refunds for merchandise unless it was grossly mis-represented by them. Read the fine print carefully, and buyer beware!

Then why not just buy a pre-manufactured neck and fit that?

What Brad said.

Based on the pictures, I am wondering if the fluting in the volute and the back of the pegbox may have been re-worked.

No mics. Just acoustic jams, indoors or outdoors.

Forget orchestras and grand pianos. Try building violins that can cut over a couple Gibson Mastertone Resonator Banjos, a few Martin D-28s, and a handful of Gibson F-5s playing at speed.