Thoughts on this violin

[nathan slobodkin]

Wondering if anyone has an idea about the origin of this fiddle. Corners don’t feel Saxon, lower ribs are two pieces, scroll fluting stops more or less at 6 o’clock. Arching is fairly nice if a bit square. Varnish has been either polished very hard or more likely overcoated with something really tough and shiny. I am almost suspecting some kind of acrylic or other synthetic. All measurements are pretty small. Don’t have the fiddle in my hand but think l.o.b is around 354.

If anyone has some thoughts on this I’d appreciate your comments.

[nathan slobodkin]

Sorry for upside down photo of back. Not sure how that happened.

[jacobsaunders]

1 hour ago, nathan slobodkin said:

Sorry for upside down photo of back. Not sure how that happened.

Perhaps it’s Australian

(PS looks Saxon/Bohemian to me)

[nathan slobodkin]

44 minutes ago, jacobsaunders said:

Perhaps it’s Australian

(PS looks Saxon/Bohemian to me)

Could you make a guess at the time period? This seems pretty old (19th century?) but the rib corners seem very short and blunt for a b.o.b instrument. Definitely doesn't have that feel of a hollow or pinched rib construction.

[Blank face]

19 hours ago, nathan slobodkin said:

the rib corners seem very short and blunt for a b.o.b instrument. Definitely doesn't have that feel of a hollow or pinched rib construction

They were shortened/filed down and rounded, but show the joint in the center, where they were clamped together. Late 19th century would be a rough guess.

[nathan slobodkin]

On 11/7/2025 at 3:59 PM, Blank face said:

They were shortened/filed down and rounded, but show the joint in the center, where they were clamped together. Late 19th century would be a rough guess.

Thanks. This is my guess as well and I assumed Saxon but as I said the rib corners don't have the hollow feel I usually associate with B.O,B. . Just another off script fiddle I guess.