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Hi everyone, I bought a nice violin from an auction two years ago, it sounds excellent, but the origin is unknown. I once showed some pictures to one of the most authorized experts in the business, he said he doesn't remember he has seen anything similar, but says it looks very nice. My violin maker says it looks Bohemian, some friends say German. Anyways, please share your opinions, I thank you in advance. P.S, there is a little hole in the right side F-hole, a couple millimeters deep. Does it look like a worm hole or it looks like it's made by someone?

Hi All, PLEASE SEE THE NEW LIST HERE Here is a list of upcoming musical instrument auctions WORLDWIDE for anyone that is interested: (I think this is most of them but please let me know if there are others) In general I will only list auction houses that either regularly sell musical instruments or are selling over 10 instruments that are in some way interesting. I will try and be inclusive of all types of musical instruments but it is likely that these listing are more strings focused. For Auctions with small numbers of instruments for sale at general auction you are best to look online at the Sale Room / Live Auctioneers / Invaluable / Cata Wiki / Good Will etc. https://www.the-saleroom.com/ https://www.liveauctioneers.com/ https://www.invaluable.com/ https://www.catawiki.com/ https://www.shopgoodwill.com/ I now have a dodgy YouTube Channel where I just browse the catalogs and talk rubbish, if you want to watch the videos check HERE. (LAST UPDATED 14th December 2021) Please note that this list is continually being updated to be as accurate as possible, but auction dates often shift on a regular basis without warning. In date order: January ---> December ---------------------------------------------------------------- THE LIST ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JANUARY (UK) Hannams - January 11th - 15th (2021) - Art and antiques (includes a small selection of violins / bows) - https://hannamsauctioneers.com/auction/ (UK) Bromptons - January 13th - 22nd (2021) - General Instruments - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/13th-22nd-january-2021/list/page-1.html (UK) Amati - January 18th - 27th (2021) - Specialist - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1074-amati-specialist-27th-january (AFTER SALE UNTIL 1ST FEBRUARY 2021) FEBRUARY (USA) Tarisio T2 - February 4th (2021) - Affordable - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199388160 (UK) Amber Violins - February 9th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.amberviolins.com/february-2021-auction/ (UK) Tennants - February 10th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://bid.tennants.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/935 (HK) FX TOURTE - February 9th - 23rd (2021) - Bows - https://fxtourteauctions.com/pages/auctions (UK) Amati - February 12th - 25th (2021) - Affordable - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1075-amati-affordable-24th-february (UK) TW Gaze - February 24th (2021) - Music Sale - https://www.twgaze.co.uk/auctions/catalogues-and-auctions/current-catalogues/musical-instruments/ (GER) Mehlis - February 25th -27th (2021) - General Auction with Musical Instruments - https://www.mehlis.eu/de/catalogs/10120/102/?page=3 MARCH (UK) Ramco - February 10th - March 2nd (2021) - Military musical instruments surplus - https://auctions.ramco.uk/auctions/7734/ramco-10272 (UK) Peter Wilson - March 4th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.wilson55.com/auction/details/MUS0321-musical-instruments/?au=333 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - March 10th (2021) - Guitars - https://bid.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/m/view-auctions/info/id/204 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - March 11th (2021) - Guitars - https://bid.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/m/view-auctions/info/id/205 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - March 12th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://bid.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/m/view-auctions/info/id/206 (FRA) Vichy Encheres - March 16th (2021) - Instruments and wood - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-13h-dinstruments-detude-et-de-bois-de-lutherie-285328/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - March 17th (2021) - Instruments and Bows - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-13h-dinstruments-detude-et-de-bois-de-lutherie-285330/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - March 18th (2021) - Instruments and Bows - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-13h-dinstruments-detude-et-de-bois-de-lutherie-285332/ (UK) Bromptons - March 10th - 22nd (2021) - General Sale - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/10th-22nd-march-2021/list/page-1.html (USA) Tarisio - March 9th - 25th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/?csid=2199404544 (USA) Julien's - March 26-27th (2021) - Property of Hal Zwicke and the Gretsch Estate - https://www.julienslive.com/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/376 (USA) Burley - March 27th (2021) - Ted Nugent - Guitars and things - https://www.icollector.com/The-Ted-Nugent-Guns-Guitars-Cars-Collection-Auction_as71090 (UK) Amati - March 19th - 31st (2021) - Specialist - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1076-amati-specialist-31st-march APRIL (FRA) DE BAECQUE et Associés - April 1st (2021) - Wind and Stringed Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-284351/ (JPN) Sunrise - March 23rd - April 8th (2021) - Specialist - https://www.sunrise-auction.com/auction_list.php?aid=413024609 (FRA) Rossini - April 8th (2021) - Instruments and Bows - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/tableaux-anciens-instruments-de-musique-mobilier-et-objets-dart-288867/ (UK) Hannams - April 6th - 9th (2021) - Art and antiques (includes a small selection of violins / bows) - https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/hannams-auctioneers/catalogue-id-srhan10097/search-filter?archiveSearch=False&categoryCode=MUS#lot-d8792b80-6b7d-44dd-a8cd-acfb00d0ab2b (USA) Heritage - April 11th (2021) - Guitars & Amps - https://entertainment.ha.com/vintage-guitars-and-musical-instruments/ (USA) Tarisio T2 - March 30th - 15th April (2021) - Affordable - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199420928 (FRA) SVV Farrando - April 16th (2021) - Violins & Bows - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/belle-vente-mobiliere-285587/ (USA) Helmuth Stone Gallery - 18th April (2021) - Small selection of violins - https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/199331_important-fine-art-and-chinese-antiques/?sort=LOT_NUMBER_LOWEST_FIRST (UK) Amber Violins - April 10th-20th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.amberviolins.com/april-20-2021-auction/ (USA) NYE - 21st - 22nd April (2021) - Small selection of violins with carved heads - http://auction.nyeandcompany.com/Category/Musical_Instruments-22.html (UK) Mallams - April 21st - 22nd (2021) - Art and antiques (includes a small selection of violins / bows) - https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/mallams-ltd-oxford/catalogue-id-srmalla10104/search-filter?archiveSearch=False&categoryCode=MUS (NETHERLANDS) Derksen - April 19th-23rd (2021) - A small number of violins - https://derksen.cloudcatalogus.nl/Home/Catalog (FRA) Apollium - April 16th-26th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://en.apollium.fr/catalogue/vente_35_instruments-univers-de-la-musique-n-35 (UK) Piano Auctions Ltd - April 27th (2021) - Pianos and Keyboard instruments - https://pianoauctions.co.uk/27th-april-2021-catalogue (UK) Amati - April 16th - 28th (2021) - Affordable Instruments - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1077-amati-affordable-28th-april MAY (FRA) Vichy Encheres - May 1st (2021) - String and Wind Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-14-h-vente-dinstruments-a-vent-et-cordes-pincees-collection-delile-285335/ (UK) Adam Partridge - May 11th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://live.adampartridge.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/226 (UK) Amati - May 18th - 26th (2021) - Makers Sale - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1078-the-makers-sale-26th-may/detail (UK) Tennants - May 26th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://bid.tennants.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/968 (GER) Mehlis - May 27th -29th (2021) - General Auction with Musical Instruments - https://www.mehlis.eu/de/catalogs/10221/102/ JUNE (FRA) SVV Farrando - June 1st (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-du-quatuor-288846/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - June 1st (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-285338/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - June 2nd (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-285339/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - June 3rd (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-285340/ (UK) Bromptons - May 28th - June 7th (2021) - Fine Sale - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/28th-may-7th-june-2021/list/page-1.html - After sale up until 12th (UK) Tarisio - May 25th - June 7th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - June 2021 London Fine Instruments & Bows (tarisio.com) (UK) Ingles & Hayday - June 4th - 8th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://ingleshayday.com/auction/1017-3/ (AT) Dorotheum - June 2nd -9th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.dorotheum.com/en/c/musical-instruments-302/ CANCELLED! (FRA) Tarn Sales Hall - June 10th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-nombre-limite-de-places-assises-en-salle-a-30-reservation-sur-appel-aupres-de-letude-nous-ne-prenons-plus-les-cheques-288168/ (FRA) Apollium - June 4th- 14th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://en.apollium.fr/catalogue/vente_31_instruments-univers-de-la-musique-n36 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - June 16th (2021) - Guitars - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/00be38f0d68cd045fef26faa124236fa/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/the-guitar-auction-two-day-sale-including-guitars-enterta/ (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - June 17th (2021) - Guitars - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/00be38f0d68cd045fef26faa124236fa/aa3256dfaa581b83dd9a740d7ec8e30d/the-guitar-auction-two-day-sale-including-guitars-enterta/ (USA) Tarisio T2 - June 1st - 17th (2021) - Affordable - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199453696 (USA) Skinners - June 7th - 17th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://live.skinnerinc.com/auctions/4-2NHE05 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - June 18th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/550419d223dad9cef07926b2fe72a915/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/musical-instruments/ (UK) Piano Auctions Ltd - June 29th (2021) - Pianos - https://pianoauctions.co.uk/auction-calendar/auction-29th-june-2021 UK) Amati - June 18th - 30th (2021) - Specialist - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1079-amati-specialist-30th-june/detail JULY UK) TW Gaze - July 1st (2021) - Musical Instruments -https://www.twgaze.co.uk/auctions/catalogues-and-auctions/current-catalogues/musical-instruments/ (UK) Anderson Garland - July 8th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/details/MUS080721-the-music-auction/?au=433 (USA) Tarisio - June 22nd - July 8th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/?csid=2199437312 (FRA) Rennes Encheres - July 13th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-294189/ (JPN) Sunsrise - June 29th - July 14/15th (2021) - Musical Instruments -https://www.sunrise-auction.com/auction_list.php?aid=265662159 (UK) Wilson 55 - July 15th (2021) - Musical Instruments -https://www.wilson55.com/auction-calendar/ - CANCELLED (USA) NYE & Company - July 21st - 22nd (2021) - Violins - http://auction.nyeandcompany.com/Category/Musical_Instruments-22.html (UK) Amati - July 16th - 28th (2021) - Affordable Instruments - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1080-amati-affordable-28th-july (USA) Heritage - July 31st (2021) - Neil Schon Guitar Collection - https://entertainment.ha.com/c/search-results.zx?N=3189+793+794+791+792+2088+4294940940&ic=Items-OpenAuctions-Open-BrowseCatalog-051914 AUGUST (USA) Tarisio T2 - 14th July - 5th August (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199502848 (GER) Mehlis - August 26th - 28th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.mehlis.eu/de/catalogs/10321/102/ SEPTEMBER (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - September 8th (2021) - Guitars - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/778b43bf12b0ddb6774490eac5a91de1/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/the-guitar-auction-online-only-two-day-sale-including-gu/ (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - September 9th (2021) - Guitars and Amps - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/778b43bf12b0ddb6774490eac5a91de1/aa3256dfaa581b83dd9a740d7ec8e30d/the-guitar-auction-online-only-two-day-sale-including-gu/ (JPN) Sunrise - August 31st - September 9th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.sunrise-auction.com/auction_list.php?aid=290686448 (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - September 10th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/f818187896b5c7c13584dc1131073bb5/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/musical-instruments/ (UK) Bromptons - September 1st - 10th (2021) - General Sale - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/1st-10th-september-2021/list/page-1.html (UK) Piano Auctions Ltd - September 21st (2021) - Pianos -https://pianoauctions.co.uk/21st-september-2021-catalogue (FRA) Vichy Encheres - September 28th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-14-h-livres-musique-disques-instruments-detude-297008/ (UK) Amati - September 17th - 29th (2021) - Affordable Instruments - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1081-amati-affordable-29th-september (UK) Tennants - September 29th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://bid.tennants.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/1019?page=1&items=200 (FRA) Vichy Encheres - September 29th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-14-h-lutherie-detude-297009/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - September 30th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-en-live-a-14-h-lutherie-detude-297010/ OCTOBER (USA) Tarisio T2 - October 7th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199519232 (UK) Amati - October 1st - 14th (2021) - Wood from Florian Leonhards workshop - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1085-tonewood-from-the-workshop-of-florian-leonhard (UK) Adam Partridge - October 14th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://live.adampartridge.co.uk/m/view-auctions/catalog/id/231?page=1&view=list&sale=undefined&cat=8&catm=any&order=order_num&xclosed=no&featured=no (AUSTRIA) Dorotheum - October 20th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.dorotheum.com/en/a/80566/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - October 22nd (2021) - Instruments of the Paris Conservatoire - https://vichy-encheres.com/en/auctions/events/ (GER) Tarisio - October 12th - 25th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/?csid=2199470080 (UK) Anderson Garland - October 28th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.andersonandgarland.com/auction/details/MUS281021-the-music-auction/?au=470 NOVEMBER (UK) Tarisio - October 19th - November 1st (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/?csid=2199535616&showall=1&pg=0 (UK) Bromptons - October 25th - November 1st (2021) - Fine Sale - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/25th-oct-1st-nov-2021/list/page-1.html (UK) Ingles & Hayday - October 29th - November 2nd (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://ingleshayday.com/auction/1018-3/ (UK) Amati - October 22nd - November 3rd (2021) - Specialist Instruments - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1082-amati-specialist-3rd-november/detail (FRA) Vichy Encheres - November 5th (2021) - Wind and Plucked Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-a-vent-a-cordes-pincees-et-de-musique-populaire-collection-michel-durand-297013/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - November 6th (2021) - Wind and Plucked Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-a-vent-et-a-cordes-pincees-297014/ (USA) Heritage - November 7th (2021) - Guitars & Amps - https://entertainment.ha.com/heritage-auctions-schedule.s?ic=Tab-BidBuy-FullSchedule-111815 (JAPAN) Sunrise - October 26th - November 11th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://www.sunrise-auction.com/auction.php (FRA) DE BAECQUE et Associés - November 17th (2021) - Wind and Stringed Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-292842/ (UK) Thomson Roddick - November 17th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.thomsonroddick.com/catalogue/4267960d9ee907d8de2cb6b2ff72098b/234ee8408ea626887a25312564534f0c/collectors-music-and-vinyl-records-to-include-lomax-kit/?categoryFilter=%2CMUS&currentPageNo=1 (USA) Tarisio - November 2nd - 18th (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/?csid=2199486464 (UK) David Duggleby - November 19th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/191120211989/MusicalScientificInstrumentsCamerasMaritime.aspx (GER) Mehlis - November 18th - 20th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.mehlis.eu/de/catalogs/10421/102/ (FRA) Apollium - November 10th- 21st (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://en.apollium.fr/catalogue/vente_39_instruments-univers-de-la-musique (UK) Amati - November 12th - 24th (2021) - Makers sale - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1083-the-makers-sale-24th-november (UK) Omega - November 30th (2021) - Guitars and Equipment - https://bid.omegaauctions.co.uk/auction/details/A170A-guitars-instruments--audio-equipment/?au=48 (FRA) Vichy Encheres - November 30th (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-297015/ DECEMBER (FRA) Vichy Encheres - December 1st (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-297016/ (FRA) Vichy Encheres - December 2nd (2021) - Quartet Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/vente-dinstruments-du-quatuor-297017/ (USA) Skinners - December 5th (2021) - Fine String Instruments - https://live.skinnerinc.com/auctions/4-4CVDMZ?limit=96 (UK) Amati - November 26th - December 8th (2021) - Affordable Instruments - https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1084-amati-affordable-8th-december/detail (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - December 8th (2021) - Guitars - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/0588b0fd2af1bc14f9bf3549b50cd403/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/the-guitar-auction-online-only-two-day-sale-including-gu/ (FRA) Copages Auction - December 9th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/instruments-de-musique-vintage-moog-minimoog-solaris-arturia-rickenbacker-gibson-300772/ (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - December 9th (2021) - Guitars - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/0588b0fd2af1bc14f9bf3549b50cd403/aa3256dfaa581b83dd9a740d7ec8e30d/the-guitar-auction-online-only-two-day-sale-including-gu/ (UK) Gardiner Houlgate - December 10th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/66733c1a8317fd55d7917ff5110d80a6/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/musical-instruments/ (FRA) Provence Encheres - December 11th (2021) - Musical Instruments - https://www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/art-asiatique-suite-a-lj-bijoux-instruments-de-musique-vins-champagnes-art-de-la-table-mobilier-300735/?page=6 (UK) Bromptons - December 3rd - 13th (2021) - General Sale - https://www.bromptons.co/auction/ (USA) Skinners - December 14th (2021) - Fine Wind Instruments - https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3867T (UK) Piano Auctions Ltd - December 14th (2021) - Pianos - https://pianoauctions.co.uk/14th-december-2021-auction-catalogue (USA) Christies - 16th December (2021) - Nile Rogers guitar collection -https://www.christies.com/en/auction/the-nile-rodgers-collection-to-benefit-the-we-are-family-foundation-29143/ (USA) Tarisio T2 - November 24th - 16th December (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/?csid=2199552000 (JAPAN) Sunrise Auctions - December 7th - 23rd (2021) - Fine Instruments and Bows - https://www.sunrise-auction.com/auction.php

I was browsing a site called the-saleroom.com in the hopes of finding a nice instrument listed in a live auctions. I searched for a Scottish violin hoping to find a few armature made or cheap antique Scottish violins. I found one at an auction in Glasgow which seemed like just what I wanted: 'SCOTTISH VIOLIN early 20th century' was the description so I waited for the auction and made a bid. The violin went for much less than I thought so was happy with my purchase but a little suspicious. The violin on the picture looked in good condition with yellowish varnish, a light wooden tail piece and old 50s looking box. After waiting the violin arrived. The box was as expected old, but on inspection the violin looked very lightly made with standard redy varnish, the fingerboard was painted black! and the varnish was flaking off the top of the violin with a slight rub of my nail. The purfling also rubbed off.. Finally I tried to set up the violin and it sounded very gritty like a badly set up banjo or guitar more than a violin sound, totally unplayable. Inside it said 'Edmund may Glasgow' in what looked like a label printed on a computer in ms word, with a cute music clip art.. slightly higher than where the old label should have been. I did a search and found another violin also from Edmund may of glasgow http://www.amati.com/auctions/violins/for-sale-at-auction/vintage-violin-refurbished-by-edmund-may-of-glasgow.html which sold for a higher price than what I payed. I checked the tail piece and saw (w Germany) on the fine tuners. The violin its self looks very much like a cheap Chinese factory violin maybe £40 max brand new. Defiantly not a hand made Scottish violin. I phoned the auction house and they said I had time to inspect the violin before the auction. I wasn't able to do this because I wasn't able to travel to Scotland so they said I should have asked for an inspection to be made. Is it me or would the auction house have changed their story of it being a Scottish violin if I had asked for an inspection? Its kind of like saying a car is a vintage Porsche but on inspection it was only a cheap Citron and selling it at a high price. So is this person buying old Chinese violins and putting them in old boxes claiming they are vintage violins, then selling them at auctions? The one in the amati page looks quite nice again but I am guessing another cheap fake. Has anyone had any experience of this and if so did you manage to get a refund? At least Ebay is working with paypal to stop fraud but it seems UK auctions are actively encouraging it..