Rare Violin with Castle / Coat of Arms back carving.

[Gary C]

Hi,

I am in possession of a family violin that was given to my father from his grandfather in Poland. What makes this violin so unique is the carving of a castle  and Coat of Arms.

The label inside the violin is very, very faded and I can hardly make out the name Joan-Cerol Kloz, in Mitenwald, An 1730.

The case is either Crocodile or Alligator skin and in very good shape with lock and key. The bows are in perfect shape.

My father studied violin in Poland before WW-2 started. He was drafted into the army and became a Stalingrad POW. He told me that the violin was a gift from his grandfather who also played multiple string instruments in Germany.

Hopefully someone can fill in the gaps to the meaning of the violins engraving, origin and any other interesting facts.

I have discovered that Kloz or Klotz violins were duplicated in the 1800's to 1880's or so. I have also learned that engravings such as my fathers violins were usually ceremonial gifts from the elite family's to musicians. 

Any hard facts would greatly be appreciated or legitimate references of quality appraisers.

I have attached pictures.

[Blank face]

Such violins with "romantic" carvings, paintings, mop inlays and so on were mass produced by the Markneukichen cottage industry in the late 19th/early 20th century. Some similar also in Mirecourt. The modern equivalent are the dragon carved or inlaid Chinese violins.

The right hand bow could be silver mounted, what would make it possibly more valuable than the violin.

[Gary C]

Thank you...