Help me determine age and/or value of this violin

[confusedone]

I am new to this whole thing looking to buy my first violin. I have read a lot on this topic and realize that getting a better violin now will probably be more beneficial at least as far as staying enthusiastic. I have found a violin, but  unfortunately do not know enough about them (I do not want to trust the seller completely). Seller says it is labelled Johannes Pressenda of Turin, but most likely it is a tribute piece styled alike. He also says it is a 1850 Czech violin. Any feedback at all would be helpful and much appreciated.  

 

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech14.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech1.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech2.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech8.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech9.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l582/pahdah_hound/Czech%201870%20Lury%201-19-2013/Czech13.jpg

 

Posting the photos in Link form because they are very large and I know you guys hate that.

[CCM]

Here's an eBay link to Jesse's violin;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Old-Antique-19th-Century-Czech-Bohemian-Violin-No-Reserve-/330872678207?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d098c673f

I trust the seller of this violin and he has a loyal following.  His description is truthful and accurate.  He does indeed indicate that the violin has a false label. For that matter, a label should not be relied on in order to determine who made a particular fiddle. If you want a valuation and appraisal, I suggest you pay for one after purchase. 

[jacobsaunders]

The “Vendor” writes:

 

This violin bears the spurious
label
of Johannes Pressenda of Turin. The violin is not by Pressenda, in my
opinion, but probably was made around the
same period. It is possible that
the maker intended to copy some of the
well-known attributes of authentic Pressenda violins like the
highly flamed one piece back, the Stradivarian outline with
characteristic deep scoop at the edges, the robust look of a
Guarneri without the excess, and broad
and flat arching across the lower bout rising
gradually to a moderate arch at the waist. Even the bright
red
tints to the varnish are similar to
Pressenda's. Rather than a fake, I believe this violin was
an
admirable tribute to the violins that have made Pressenda the most highly
regarded violin maker of the 19th
century.

 

This is abject nonesense. It is infact a standard bottom end product of
the Schönbach (Bohemia) cottage industry from the end of the 19th C., which
someone appears to have additionaly “aged” with a screwdriver (see scratches on
the belly) and inserted a fake label long after it was made. The artisan/s who
made this instrument will have had no idea who on earth Pressenda was, and
worked several generations later than he did. Also the neck graft appears to be
on the point of breaking off, as one can see well in the two proile views of
the scroll. In short, It would be simple to appraise the instrument, since it is
worth exactly nothing.

 

 

 

If you wish to buy a violin, you would be far far better advised to go to
your local luthier, who will be able to advise you (free of
charge!)

[Jeff White]

I'll second Jacob on this.  While Jessie (pahdahound)has a good return policy, that open seam looks real bad.  Nothing good will come of that, for sure.  Might be holding now, but.....................jeff

[puckfandan]

Jeff, which pic are you looking at? just want to see what I am missing, vision is not what it used to be

[stephen maloney]

Drivel hyping firewood.

[confusedone]

Thank you guys,

I now realize that purchase would have been a mistake. The violin later sold for about $1500 (well outside of my budget anyway).

[Jeff White]

Jeff, which pic are you looking at? just want to see what I am missing, vision is not what it used to be

Dan, my bad.  I shouldn't have used the word "seam" as I knew what I meant, but that wasn't the best term. I am talking about the mess just between the nut and the chin, by the neck graft. I am using the pics from the ebay auction.   I can't believe that violin went for that much.   jeff