How can I find out who made my violin?
Look for a handwritten names or symbols. Antonius Stradivari, for instance, hand wrote his name on the label (Antonio Stradivari), followed by the city he worked in (Cremona), followed by the words “Made in the year (date).” The words were followed by a circular logo with a cross and the initials AS.
Are there any violin makers in the world?
There are numerous violins and violin makers the world over. Some violinists prefer to play, and recommend, violins made in a specific country and by specific makers. In some cases, identifying your violin’s maker may not be possible without taking it to a professional.
What does it mean when a violin is made in a country?
If the label clearly says in English, “made in (country)” then it is a factory-produced violin, not an antique. All imported items, including violins, made after 1891, were required to have the country of origin on the label. The jackpot of violins would have a label printed with “Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonenfis” and other Latin text.
However, here is a quick run down of what you might be able to do at home. The label might tell you who made your violin. You can find a label inside the (usually) left hand f-hole in the violin. Not all violins have labels, and you may have to blow away the dust and move the violin under the light to see whether yours does.
Are there any fake labels on a violin?
Many labels are fake, but even fake labels might give an idea of who made the violin. Amati has a few examples of labels in their Makers’ Archive to compare your own against, but be aware that it does not take long to copy a label and put it in a violin – it is something that has been going on for centuries.
Who was the first violin maker in the world?
Violins came into the world back in the 16th century, when it had its first violin maker in history, Andrea Amati, in the 1500s. In the 17th century, we had famous violin makers, Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri, each with their own unique craftsmanship of violins. The antique violins made by them are highly valuable in today’s market.
What makes a violin worth so much money?
There are many factors that go into a violin’s appraisal, including its quality, sound, appearance, age, creator and previous use. Many violins are manufactured for new players or casual hobbyist, and therefore do not fetch a high value. Others are hundreds of years old and highly sought after.
Are there any fraudulent labels on a violin?
There has been much written about violin fraud and fictitious labels being placed inside instruments. The label that appears inside an instrument may have little to do with its actual origins. It only takes moments to place a label into a violin.
Are there any undiscovered violins in the world?
Very few undiscovered violins by the most famous makers have turned up since 1960, while over the past century and a half, millions of commercial instruments containing fake labels have been made. See more about these Factory Instruments from Germany Czechoslovakia and France.
Who are some famous people with violin labels?
As a compliment to his great skill, Lupot was nicknamed the French Stradivari in his day. He emerged from a family in which violins had been made for over a century. His violins bore the label Nicholas Lupot a Paris, where he was based from 1794. Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was an illustrious French luthier and winner of many awards.
How is the authenticity of a violin determined?
A violin’s authenticity (i.e., whether it is actually made by the maker whose label it bears), can only be determined through close examination of the instruments model, wood characteristics and varnish. Only an expert with many years of experience can determine this. Appraisals of instruments are done for Insurance and Fair Market Value reasons.
Can you tell if a violin is a Stradivari?
If you have a violin with a label nearly identical to the Stradivari or other labels shown above, but it says “Made in Germany,” it is de facto NOT an authentic Stradivari, but a factory made copy. You don’t need an appraiser to tell you this. There are levels of expertise in the appraisal of musical instruments.
Who is Simon in the land of chalk drawings?
Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings is a British children’s animated series about the adventures of a young child named Simon, who has a magic blackboard. Things that Simon draws on the chalkboard become real in the Land of Chalk Drawings, which Simon can enter by climbing over a fence near his home with a ladder.
Who was the person who sold the violin?
However, stories about being sold a violin by a musician during the Depression and others similar do not help much. The bottom line is whether the person who originally purchased the violin had both the money and the knowledge to buy well.