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Showing results for tags 'authenticity'.
Found 21 results
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Asking for opinions on a cello bow stamped ‘C. THOMASSIN Å PARIS’
hjang posted a topic in The Pegbox
Hi everyone, I want to ask on everyone’s opinions on this cello bow I’ve encountered — it does have a label ‘C. THOMASSIN Å PARIS’ — but I do not see a round ferrule. I am not an expert, so I do not know every details about a Thomassin, so I’m asking everyone what they think about the wood quality, varnish, MOP, etc., and possible origins of this bow. Thank you all!
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I bought a violin at an estate auction and am trying to get it identified & appraised. The violin’s hand-written label reads: Mathias Albani contrada largo da Milano anno (illegible) It also has an adjacent label reading “Milanollo,” and I can make out the words 24 Rue and Paris. There is some handwriting in this label that I cannot make out. The same luthier also repaired the instrument more than once, signing the instrument A. Blanchette, Montreal (with 1949 in one spot; I’m unable to read the other label but presumably, these repairs occurred on separate occasions.) Unique features: Neck graft, purfling wraps around the corners of the instrument. Neopolitan(?) scroll. I took the instrument to three different luthiers/appraisal experts and got vastly different opinions as to the instrument’s origin, age, and overall value. The first was a young appraiser at a high-end metropolitan shop. She told me that the instrument will cost $5000 in repairs alone, which far exceeds the instrument’s value. She said the instrument is “at least 100-150 years old” and that she believes it is German or Polish or Romanian in origin. The second was a luthier with extensive experience working with Neopolitan violins. He told me that this is “definitely a Neopolitan violin,” made prior to at least 1820, and that with the appropriate repairs, it would be a very decent instrument with great sound (if I’m willing to spend the money on it.) The third is a very young luthier with experience working with old and high-end violins (I was referred to him by my city’s symphony orchestra.) He told me my violin was made in 1800s Germany and is worth 1000-2000 maximum and that repairs would cost about $1000 (not worth it.) For good measure, I also sent photos of the instrument to Tarisio, which valued it at about $5000 but couldn’t estimate a date or place of origin. I’m thinking of taking this on as a restoration project, and given the varied responses (and the money I have already spent on this instrument), obviously I’m more hopeful that Luthier #2 was correct. However, I’m curious to know if anyone has additional input. More information: The previous owner was a multi-millionaire that had an extensive old and high-end violin collection, and he took this particular instrument from California to Montreal (3,000 miles away) for repairs on two separate occasions to see A. Blanchette, who specialized in rare instruments. (Who would make that effort for a garbage violin?) Photos attached: Any experts on Neopolitan violins or Matthias Albani violins, I’d especially appreciate your input. Thanks!!
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This is my moms old violin that she inherited from her grandpa a long time ago. I am wondering if it is authentic and if it is, what is its value? (Not looking to sell just curious of my family history)
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Hi all, I am currently looking to purchase a new cello. I'd like to gather some opinions on the instrument (can someone let me know how to upload photos?) and its authenticity. I am a player myself and know relatively little about makers and origins. It has rather large F-holes and a beautiful one-piece back (maple). The label reads: "Joannes Valletianus fecit Matrito anno 1799". Has anyone heard of this maker or seen and of his work? The varnish is mainly orange with hints of deeper red. The varnish on back is slightly harder and shinier. The back length is 752 mm. It has a fantastic sound (very rich and deep bass. Recently performed it alongside a G.B. Gabrielli instrument - the sound qualities were similar). I will post photos as soon as I understand how. Thanks a lot!
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Can anyone tell me if this is an authentic Bisiach violin? This was passed down to my grandmother who gave it to me to get appraised. If it is authentic, how much could this be worth?
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Hey. Just wondering if Conrad Gotz has any violin with just a sticker inside? So weird because I havent seen any like that except this one that I own.
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Hello, This is my first post :) Does this label looks like something you'd see on original Stefano Scarampella violin or a copy of his violin made by someone else? JPD
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Just wondering if anybody could help me determine the authenticity of this violin. Purchased at an estate sale and was wondering if it’s even worth restoring. In person and has more of a reddish tone to the wood. On the inside it is stamped Medio Fino , and on the opposite side ( inside ) is a logo and initials JTL. I also can’t tell if those are actual cracks or just deep scratches on the back at the bottom. Thank you for time !
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Hi, My husband bought me a 1st violin on eBay, but I've read here that usually it doesn't turn out well. We can return it in worst case. It was listed as an "antique Wilhelm Durrschmidt violin from Markneukirchen germany. On the inside of the violin the only label is stamped directly on the wood and reads "Wilh. Durrlshmidt Geigenbauer Markneukirchen i/S." admittedly that "l" may be an "s" on the durrschmidt stamp, no paper label. I wrote down on a piece of paper how the stamped label is laid out inside. Back is one piece, top is 2 piece. I have attached as many pictures as I could think of, please let me know if more are needed. I has a hard time getting pictures of interior construction, but it has wood blocks inside at the lower corners, as well as bandings that go around top and bottom that look like quarter rounds. Pegs, chinrest, tail piece and fingerboard are all ebony. I couldn't get all the pictures to attach so I uploaded them to an imgur albulm. http://imgur.com/gallery/gx0APV9 My questions are when was this likely made? Is it what it says it is? What quality is it? and any ideas on value? I'm worried my husband overpaid and I din't want to spend the $ to have it set up if it's going to be lousy.
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Long time lurker, finally coming across some interesting items. I came across a french bow from a violin shop that was very interesting to my eye and plays very well. It is a tortoise shell, gold mounted, with a "Y? V?" stamp under the stick. What do you guys think? Is this a legit bow or not?
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My mother sent a copy of the certificate from Lyon & Healy that had accompanied her violin at sale, as well as a copy of Moennig's evaluation that it is/was in their opinion a Sgarabotto. The Lyon & Health 1917 catalog that contained the instrument numbered 4954, as well as the certificate, state: Giuseppe Guadagnini, Milan, i 750-1 760 Number 4954. Giuseppe Guadagnini was the second son of Giovanni Battista. He followed in his father's footsteps with respect to model and general character of workmanship, his violins being very often mistaken for those of his parent. This instrument is in a perfect state of preservation and has an exceedingly large, robust, brilliant tone. It is an excellent violin for a soloist, teacher or orchestra player. Price: $2yOOO This violin was sold to one Robert Vauk of South Dakota on January 8, 1918. The only thing I can think of is that the certificate may have been separated from its original violin. The description reads: "The back is formed by one piece of handsome curly maple, which is matched by the maple of the sides. The top is of spruce of the choicest selection, of straight even grain. The varnish is of a reddish brown color. This instrument is in an excellent state of preservation and is No. 4954 in our records." Moennig in 1974 writes "Violin labelled J.B. Guadagnini, Milan 17??, in our opinion, is the work of Cavaliere Gaetano Sgarabotto during the first quarter of the century. The back is of one piece slab-cut maple, with narrow irregular flames. The sides and scroll are similar to that of the back. The top is of two piece pine mostly of medium broad grain. The varnish is an orange-brown color." As Martin had pointed out earlier, the violin looks like kind of a rough and ready somebody's idea of a Guadagnini. It's kind of gouge-y looking with fixed cracks in the top, messy purfling, and looks as if it took quite a hit at some point. Despite all it is a real nice sounding violin and pretty to look at. My question is - do you think the Lyon & Healy certificate belongs to this violin? Any any other comments appreciated, as well. I'm just trying to flesh out what I know about this instrument.
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Hello, I was helping a friend clean her attic the other day and stumbled across a really nice violin. The label on the inside has the of Jean Baptiste Vuilliame on the inside with a stamp the date (1844) and a signature. There was also a paper stating the violin was maintenanced sometime during the 50's. Does anyone have more information on Vuillaume? Here's a link to view photos: http://imgur.com/a/b6RB0 Thanks,
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I was looking closely at my mother's old violin today, and realized that something I'd always considered to be damage on the top actually looks like writing, perhaps by some method of engraving or stamp. It just looks too "regular" to be simply damage. I'm attaching a picture and wonder if anyone out there has seen similar. I cannot make out what it says. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154811576642662&set=a.447674227661.227685.626802661&type=3&theater
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So what do you think - Sartory or not Sartory? The negative image is to show the name stamp more clearly. You have to hit the right arrow on each pic to go to the next. Thanks. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154814637567662&set=pcb.10154814638322662&type=3&theater
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Hello, I have two cello bows from Ernst Willy Zöphel (1893-1973), i like them very much, sound is very clear, they both allow string instruments to sing very freely, one of them is a little bit more flexible, but both have very strong sticks and in optimal weight. I reccently got another violin/viola bow, seller listed that it is from the same maker. Overall lenght 73,5 cm, weight 61,9 grams. The stick of the violin/viola bow is also strong, but it feels different - vibrations are not transfered through the recent stick so well as it is on my both cello bows and you can see something like scars along its length. Violin bow frog mountings looks a little bit yellow compared to both cello bows. (Bow with similar frog http://www.violins.co.za/sale/0615Zophel.asp ) P.S. (The same ebay seller sold different bow too: http://www.ebay.de/itm/391366130150 When i compared it to the following sources, it looks fake: http://www.rare-violins-and-bows.com/#!ea-ouchard-cello http://www.atelierdarcheterie.com/blog/Articoli/ArcodavioloncelloEmileAug.html http://bridgewoodandneitzert.london/product/cello-bow-by-emile-a-ouchard-paris-c-1940-2/ ) Is it Violin or Viola bow? Is it from the same maker as my cello bows? Can it be 80-100 years old? Does it looks like pernambuco? Does the frog mountings and button looks from silver? Thank you for you time!
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Hello, I have found old violin which belonged to my grandfather. I do not understand instruments and therefore I would like to ask you for help. I have found on the web that there are many copies of these Joseph Guarnerius violins. Could anybody give me any estimate how much this is worth? It is not in a great condition but still playable. Is this non-labelled but old and in good condition bow worth any value? See pics below. Thank you very much in advance. https://www.dropbox.com/s/su7uox34ff5zqdd/20150820_171126.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/6lfz11ucpje1y2q/20150820_171137.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/92zirfpd3l4vkpt/20150820_171317.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/wfzu9yetijwjeu5/20150820_171321.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/8eh3kv9puzoyk54/20150820_171324.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/7ga7c8qjkmpirs3/20150820_171341.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlve0frh2amp54s/20150820_171422.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/mmts103wngsg4y4/20150820_171426.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/90r3nyt24s6y4m2/20150820_171517.jpg?dl=0
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Hello, Can anyone tell me how many violins Pressenda created in the year 1838? I understand Rocca left that year, and production levels dropped. Did Rocca actually craft violins for him that year, and how many are thought to have been produced? Thanks to all, I appreciate the site and the helpful input I have seen here... Novice
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I have an old violin. The label which is difficult to see, reads "Alessandro Gagliano alomnus Stradivarius fecit 1720 Napoli". What sort of properties should I look for to determine its authenticity? I gather lots of copies were made in the 19th century Thanks Fred
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Hello, I recently acquired a violin with a somewhat unusual case. The case is solid wood, with metal (?) latches. The ball feet are made of wood, too. The inside is quite nice, given the age. It is lined with a green fabric (velvet?). Before creating an account, I would sometimes lurk in here. I wanted, especially, the input of GlennYorkPA. I've read some of his posts regarding violin cases. (I haven't read his book, yet. Sorry! ) I would be glad to hear information from anyone! I have taken many pictures. So, I created a photo album under my SkyDrive. Here is the link: http://sdrv.ms/119w8E4 Furthermore, I have pictures of the violin and the bow. I'd be happy to hear any information (history, maker, repair estimates, etc.) about those, as well. Thank you for your help! - Totti
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APPRAISALS AND CERTIFICATES: DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
Jonathan Rubin posted a topic in The Pegbox
I thought some might find this interesting - This is written by Robert Cauer APPRAISALS AND CERTIFICATES: DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE? Even some inexperienced dealers don't know it. In the violin world, the terms "Appraisal" and "Certificate" are used often interchangeably but there is a big difference. A Certificate is a document used to declare the Authenticity of an instrument. A Certificate often (but not always) has accompanying pictures and is as credible as the person who wrote it. There is no price stated on a certificate and it will accompany the violin whenever it changes ownership. Certificates are considerably more expensive than an appraisal. They usually cost 5% plus of the instrument's value if they are written by a known and respected connoisseur. An Appraisal is a document used mainly for insurance purposes to state the replacement value of the instrument. As opposed to a certificate it has to be renewed every few years to state the current value. A dealer without much knowledge about the originality of instruments can still make an insurance appraisal for an expensive violin, even a Stradivari, if he has access to the original certificates by known and trusted connoisseurs. This appraisal is usually a bit under $200.00 for very expensive instruments. Unless the dealer writes an actual certificate, his appraisal it is not an individual confirmation of the authenticity of the violin. It is merely an opinion about the value of the instrument while relying on the existent certificates. The owner with a fine instrument, which is well certified does not need yet another certificate to get an evaluation for his insurance. Sometimes the statement in an appraisal contains the sentence: "Made in our opinion by..." if the instrument has already strong certificates, which state that it is genuine. This is sometimes done to elevate the status of the dealer who writes the appraisal. This sentence rarely appears on appraisals if there are no strong certificates for instruments with "expensive" labels. Of course there are some experienced dealers, who know and recognize the maker of the instrument. However they would never make the mistake of calling an appraisal "certificate" as we have seen several times lately. Insurance appraisals usually state the value higher to include the sales tax. Therefore they should not be taken for coin value by a buyer who buys an instrument from a private party. In some instances appraisals are made to state the wholesale value at which a dealer might buy it, or for a price the instrument may fetch in an auction. -
So I'm a relative beginner at the violin. I apparently have a Laberte "D. Soriot" labeled violin that I bought secondhand for a low price a while back. I've been playing it for the last year, and the sound is very good for a low end instrument. However, the previous owner(s) treated it like crap, had some older repairs done (notably on the neck/fingerboard), and it needs a bunch of repairs (cracks, raise fingerboard etc.) that will cost around the same price as another low-end violin, and I'm nearing the level where I probably should upgrade. I've been wondering if it would be worth it to have the luthier do the repairs or if I should just wait until I can afford a better instrument. Anyway, to help me decide, I figured I'd try to see if anyone had any guesses as to whether it's an actual D. Soriot, since the only indication is a simple label with a typo and no accent marks: "D. SOIOT luthier ecole francaise" Despite being beaten up, the sound is quite nice and has impressed a few violin players that I've shown it to, and the violin itself came with a "FRANCE" import marked "F.N. VOIRIN A PARIS" bow, which, while obviously not a genuine 19th century Voirin, nevertheless might suggest a certain trend for whoever used to own this violin and paired it with this bow. Anyway, here's some pictures I took. Thanks for any advice:
