Can anyone help date my Viola?

[KALaBenne]

Hello all,

 

I picked up a William Lewis and Son Viola for a song a while back.  I know it's just a student instrument but I think it might be pre-WWII and I'm curious if anyone can offer any more information.  I'm including a link to a photobucket album that may help.  I tried to get a good picture of the label which I believe to be origional and correct.  I also believe the Lifton case is origional to the instrument and may help determine when it was made.  I'm not trying to sell it, just trying to find out what I can about it.  I'll be happy to answer any questions you have and if more pictures are required just say so. 

 

http://s249.photobucket.com/user/loweapline96/slideshow/Lewis%20Viola

 

Thanks in advance for any help,

 

Keith

[Will L]

I think those Liftons are from the '50s.  Not sure, though.

[Fiddler45]

Is there a model number on the label? Can't see on my phone. I might be able to look it up with a model number

[KALaBenne]

Yes, there is a model number.  It's 2523. 

[Fiddler45]

Found an ad for that model from 1959. Called the "Dancla".

[Fiddler45]

Price in 1959 was $65. Estimated value in 1978 was $150.

[Christopher Jacoby]

I can help date your viola, but I want flowers.

[Fiddler45]

[martin swan]

I dated a viola once. She was big - I always felt like I was playing second fiddle.

[Anna Ashmole]

OP - any chance you could set up a date with your viola for my friend Murdo McStrad?

He was on the pull last Hogmany but it seems it didn't work out.

More from Murdo McStrad's Hogmany adventures here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.509671245744186.115522.195442183833762&type=3

[martin swan]

Ouch - he's a bit short on social skills ....

You could try http://www.thai-brides.co.uk/

Or the traditional Scottish remedy for an annoying and whiney violin - team him up with an accordion.

[KALaBenne]

I knew when I typed the title to my thread that it would elicit some comedic responses, and you didn't let me down.  Thanks!

 

I was reading here: http://www.stevekirtley.org/liftonhistory.htm

 

"Notice the oval lock at the center of handle position, typical of prewar cases. Postwar violin cases changed to a square shaped lock and then moved lock to left of handle."

 

That led me to believe that it might be a pre-war case. 

 

Does anybody know if Lewis used the same model numbers throughout their history and if their label designs were different pre/post WWII?

 

Thanks!