D. Nicola Aine ?

[John Bush]

Good evening,

I have a question about this violin. It seems to be original D. Nicola Aine, but any guess about dating and how much it can be worth? Beside classical tag, there is also a handmade inscription. 

[martin swan]

This looks like a Laberte "Didier Nicolas" from the 1920s. It seems to be in pretty good condition - what's the back length?

[Jeff Jetson]

Hello John Bush and welcome to Maestronet. Are you any relation to George?

[John Bush]

Thanks for answers (no i'm not familiar with ex.pres).

Is it worth sth?

Edited May 3, 2017 by John Bush

[martin swan]

I suppose the retail price with a good set-up would be anything up to £2K, but you'd probably need to do something about the cigarette burns below the left f-hole, and maybe replace the missing corner on the left lower f-hole tongue.

The trade value is pretty low, maybe £500 assuming no hidden issues.

Good serviceable student violins generally ...

[John Bush]

Thanks a lot!!

[Ratcliffiddles]

Difficult to be sure, but I thought it was quite a bit earlier than 1920s.  Can we have a look at the head profile?

Is it one of the one-piece fronts?

[martin swan]

Hi Peter,

I must admit I'm not 100% certain, and it's all the more confusing in that the 1920s Laberte instruments are very definitely in the style of the originals.

However, the early 19th century examples tend to be pretty long (360 or more), and the varnish generally not so opaque or chippy. Agreed the scroll should clinch it ...