Benjamin Banks Violin.

[GerardM]

Hello everyone I have been asked to replace strings on a violin. Having searched the web and found out about Mr Banks “the British Amati” Now I don’t know if it’s like a lot of the inexpensive German made “Stradivarius” investments. Or the real thing, if it is I don’t want to touch it. On the other hand should it be a cheap copy, it’s not really worth repairing. Anyways take a look at the pictures, the purfling is painted on. So I would imagine Mr Banks would have fitted purfling, but then what do I know. The label says Benjamin Banks Salisbury 1754. If it should be genuine then I have a duty to inform the owner they may have a valuable instrument. Thank you all. G

[Wood Butcher]

Looks poor quality, compared to what I have seen of Banks work. 
I expect this is another English violin, that has been given some brands and a label at a later time.

[GeorgeH]

Agreed, that is not in the same quality universe as Banks' instruments.

[GerardM]

Thanks for the response. I did think a genuine Banks would have been better cared for, but had to ask the question. Just in case, meany thanks G

[Blank face]

The workmanship and hard chippy varnish looks like at one of these mid-19th Markneukirchen violins, though the scroll is slightly better than I would expect at these.