Recent Italian violin without label

[axline3]

This violin , bought in Colorado, has no label. It looks like a nice newer Italian instrument. I will not actually be able handle the violin for 2 months (while in France). I am wondering what clues might narrow down the maker or city . The whiteness of the dings might indicate a very thin ground or a spirit varnish ground? It seems there is a ground looking at the scroll etc. Perhaps the scroll has something distinctive...I am not knowledgeable enough on scrolls and makers. The F holes have blackened edges, but nothing else is blackened. Any help much appreciated.  https://www.dropbox.com/sc/1xctgpse3cgutw8/AAAN9sB8xNBzr5YyfntoPLgJa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 22 by axline3
attached photos may not work, added link to Dropbox photos

[martin swan]

Reluctant to open image links ... however ...

I'm not sure how anyone could differentiate an unlabelled modern Italian instrument from a modern anywhere else instrument. White under the dings sounds like a cheaply made instrument.

S, what specifically makes you think it's Italian?

[axline3]

Thanks for your reply...I'll try to post photos better way..for now that is a Dropbox link to 8 pics.  To me the edges are Italian, and the corners, as well as the concept of color etc. The pattern also looks like a modern variant of a Guarneri perhaps...

[axline3]

I tried to post photos directly from the gallery on my phone but it looked like they weren't able to be opened...

[Wood Butcher]

2 hours ago, axline3 said:

Thanks for your reply...I'll try to post photos better way..for now that is a Dropbox link to 8 pics.  To me the edges are Italian, and the corners, as well as the concept of color etc. The pattern also looks like a modern variant of a Guarneri perhaps...

How do Italian edges and corners differ from the work of contemporary makers in other countries?

[Violinnut]

12 hours ago, martin swan said:

 

I'm not sure how anyone could differentiate an unlabelled modern Italian instrument from a modern anywhere else instrument. 

 

That is something I also wondered about. 

[axline3]

Thank you for the comments. I guess one question is what years define Modern. Also, I thought some makers would follow the tradition of violin making in their country, especially if inspired by a specific pattern. 

[axline3]

Has anyone been able to look at the pictures? 

[martin swan]

2 hours ago, axline3 said:

Thank you for the comments. I guess one question is what years define Modern. Also, I thought some makers would follow the tradition of violin making in their country, especially if inspired by a specific pattern. 

I assumed you meant a recent instrument …

Technically for me Modern would be 20th century - I would describe a violin made by a living maker as Contemporary.

 

[axline3]

Thank you, those are great definitions.

[Deo Lawson]

Honestly it strongly reminds me of my first upgrade violin as a student, which was also unlabeled but was allegedly made in the workshop of Mathias Thoma in Romania. That violin had a good appearance and clean workmanship but a totally unimpressive sound.

Every modern violin looks Italian, given that they're all based on the same dozen or so Italian models

[axline3]

Thank you for all comments. To sum up so far, the consensus is that there is no way to identify ...even the country where made. I will add at least what can be said from what seems to be there (not having the violin  yet): It is made with beautifully flamed maple, and fine even grained spruce. The scroll is very nicely cut, better than many. The style uses round edges left uncolored (as was the case with Turin makers). The varnish is nicely laid on, being columnar. The pattern is Guarneri inspired but not a copy. The arching is fans out beyond the corners, French style. The F holes are blackened inside. The varnish has a golden ground but is probably altogether too thin. This able to be seen.  As to conclusions, my only guess, without a specific reference, is that is at least imitating the Turin school.

[axline3]

Sorry for the missing pronouns ..typing on a phone...

[martin swan]

I'm sorry - to me it looks like an inexpensive modern trade violin

[axline3]

Thanks..that's ok, did not expect much...