reg

There is no problem whatsoever shipping bows safely in the UK. See recommendations above, but also consider a purpose made bowtube with a screw on cap - very secure. There are some shops also that stock all those bows and offer a mail out service!

Have you looked at BAM Newtech?

Both actually! I am cultivating that aloof mien as affected by contemporary violin dealers who have the ability to shrivel me with a single sideways glance No, but seriously if one come up against an unknown maker I can go to the books, but what better than to get qualified opinion - which this little thread has proved

Lark?

No Just honing my expertise ( or lack of!)

Thank you Martin and Jacob Very interesting, but is the price acceptable?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fine-French-soloist-violin-by-Joseph-Laurent-Mast-1823-old-antique/254563907932?hash=item3b4530f95c:g:P6IAAOSwOTZdxA0l This being offered on eBay Can someone tell me about this maker please? Seems rather expensive?

Actually the honest guy will even allow you take a violin on approval Fully expecting you to seek other opinions and to satisfy yourself that this is indeed the instrument you have been searching for!

I agree fully with that but the difficulty is that teachers invariably advise , 'try getting something 100 years old' which is fine if you have the bucks to spend

With a budget like that why not just wait until this lockdown is over, and then go try violins from Reputable dealers You are highly likely to burn your fingers on an auction and almost guaranteed on eBay! Some shops specialise in the £5k to £10 K price range and would certainly not 'look down their noses' - although I know that does happen.

Surely any good shop will advise you on that point What I do is lightly chalk the bridge and then gently close the lid If it is touching it will leave a chalk line on the inside top

Yep and looks like it has been stripped?

Did anyone see this one? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fine-Early-Violin-1792-Lovely-Instrument-Very-Old-Violin/254548438330?hash=item3b4444ed3a:g:0OQAAOSwfbxed7mI

Where are all these contributors now?

True professionals use saliva full of enzymes