Pro Libertate

Thanks for chiming in! That's more than I knew before. So... needless to say, it's not worth a whole lot. I paid $70.

Well... replica or not, the violin sold at auction for $4,001.

Hey, folks! Let me preface this post by saying I'm not naive enough to think this is an actual Guadagnigni. Aside from the obvious characteristics that set it apart from the real McCoy (violin fingerboard stained to look like ebony and quality not on par with the true article), Guadagnini wasn't in Milan in 1784-- he was in Turin. I bought this primarily as a wall-hanger, but I'm curious as to it's origin and provenance (if any). I'd greatly appreciate any help you could offer in identifying this fiddle! Thanks in advance.

So... an interesting development in the saga of the "Gulbrand Enger". It looks like Goodwill has since revised the listing to indicate the violin has not been authenticated. Many people have retracted their bids, and the violin's gone from $3,000 to $800 overnight. I also sent a valuation inquiry to Brompton's, and they said that based upon the images I sent, they would place an initial auction valuation at 4,000 GBP. Of course, that's subject to change based on first-hand study. It's been mentioned that the quality of wood appears to be lower than expected for an Enger, but -and I'm simply playing the Devil's advocate here- isn't it possible that since this was purportedly made relatively early in his career (when he was still learning the craft), that it's not made to the same standards as his later instruments?

Thanks for the reply, martin! What characteristics indicate to you it was made in Saxony? From what I understand, he studied in Germany for a time and also with Vuillaume. Considering Saxony is a state in eastern Germany, I suppose it's plausible this is a Gulbrand Enger? Just how late in the 19th century would you say it is? Post 1860s? You guys amaze me with your abilities to determine the provenance of a violin and discern the difference between the genuine article and a fake.

Hi, folks! I'd sure appreciate your help in identifying this violin I came across that is purportedly an early Gulbrand Enger. The Engers I've come across are much later (late seventies to early eighties), and the labels much more refined; they also tend to have much higher flaming/striping on the back. Could this be the real deal? Has anyone come across Enger copies? I know Engers have sold for anywhere from $7,000-$14,000... I'd be curious to know your opinions regarding whether his early work would command less or more than those crafted later in his career. Thanks in advance!