Antique Violin Questions

[devon212]

Hello,

So my great grandmother reached out today with photos of an old violin that belonged to my great x3 grandfather.  She needs some money for home repairs and was considering selling the violin but wanted to know if I thought it was worth anything since I play violin. I suggested she get it to luthier for a true appraisal but wanted to ask a few questions to see if I can figure anything out. I would like to purchase the violin myself and keep it in the family but do not wish to low ball my own grandmother. (The photo quality isn't great. Shes 95 so im just glad she texts me)

 

1. If the sound post is solid whats a rough estimate for repairing an old instrument like this?

 

2. Inside the label which is very faded says Stradivarius Cremonensis 17.... I obviously do not think this is an actual strad but likely a later reproduction. I oldnher as much but just for fun what would be a real tip off to it being authentic or reproduction?

 

3. It appears that the right f hole is not fully cut to me? Perhaps its dried varnish? Seems like an odd defect. To me.

Whatever the results I plan to help herIMG_20251012_151000.heic out but would love to keep this instrument and have it fixed if it makes financial sense to for her. 

IMG_20251012_190705.heic IMG_20251012_151019.heic IMG_20251012_151013.heic

[Dwight Brown]

This is an inexpensive factory made instrument from the late 19th or early 20th century. It is nothing to do with an actual Stradivari. The cost to repair, clean, and set it up would certainly exceed its present value. Thousands of instruments like this were imported to this country in those years. I’m sorry not to have better news for you.

 

DLB

[uguntde]

22 hours ago, Dwight Brown said:

This is an inexpensive factory made instrument from the late 19th or early 20th century. It is nothing to do with an actual Stradivari. The cost to repair, clean, and set it up would certainly exceed its present value. Thousands of instruments like this were imported to this country in those years. I’m sorry not to have better news for you.

 

DLB

We should rate those in kcal / kg as wood burning energy capacity.

[Marty Kasprzyk]

3 hours ago, uguntde said:

We should rate those in kcal / kg as wood burning energy capacity.

 

Winter is coming and I'm worried that I've made enough violas.

[Chamberlain]

Although it might be a common factory Strad copy, it obviously has a lot of value to your family. I would love all violins that have been in a family for 4 plus generations to have a chance to be restored and passed down with the stories of their family to the next generations. 
If it was my grandmother, who happens to be 96, I would give her whatever money I could to help her with her repairs as “payment” for the violin. $25, $50, $100, $500..

As for condition It appears to have a large crack on the back. If that is actual and has not been repaired it is concerning.  I would avoid putting strings on it and trying to play it until that can be checked. If it ends up not being playable it is definitely displayable maybe in a shadow box frame with photos of those who have played/owned it in your family.