You might have an old instrument that's collecting dust somewhere in your basement, but that doesn't mean that it should be immediately written off as something worthless. Many violin appraisals have found copies to be worth several thousand dollars with a few reaching in excess of ten thousand dollars.
You will probably base your first thoughts on the label inside the instrument. Don't be surprised to find the names Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri or Stainer as these famous makers were unfortunately used to pass of fakes as much more valuable copies. Even if you suspect that your instrument is original, you should know that almost all of the instruments made by these famous luthiers have already been recorded.
This does not mean that your copy isn't worth something. There were many famous craftsmen in Italy, France and Germany, and your instrument could be made by one of those reputable makers. Even if the label is fake, the craftsmanship might be excellent and it might still be worth many thousands of dollars if it has been kept in good condition.
If the label is in English and it clearly states where it was made, then it is probably a factory manufactured violin. If however the label is old and matches the rest of the instrument, then it could be potentially worth a lot of money. You will still have to have it appraised as no buyer would purchase it base solely on the label.
You don't have to immediately go to an appraiser if you want to know about your instrument. Many professional violinists will be able to give you some kind of appraisal for free. Ask the first violinist at your local orchestra for help. He might tell you if it's worth pursuing your claim and which appraiser would be able to serve you best. You might also want to ask a faculty member at a nearby music school. These should make for a good start before asking an appraiser.
Whenever you hire the services of a professional appraiser, always go for a written proof. It will be more expensive, but at least you will have a record of your claim as well as the references regarding how he arrived at the value.
With your written references, it is best to have your copy restored. This will make it more respectable in case potential buyers are interested in your copy. You might be surprised that these simple violin appraisals can net you in excess of ten thousand dollars at one time.
violin appraisals
You will probably base your first thoughts on the label inside the instrument. Don't be surprised to find the names Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri or Stainer as these famous makers were unfortunately used to pass of fakes as much more valuable copies. Even if you suspect that your instrument is original, you should know that almost all of the instruments made by these famous luthiers have already been recorded.
This does not mean that your copy isn't worth something. There were many famous craftsmen in Italy, France and Germany, and your instrument could be made by one of those reputable makers. Even if the label is fake, the craftsmanship might be excellent and it might still be worth many thousands of dollars if it has been kept in good condition.
If the label is in English and it clearly states where it was made, then it is probably a factory manufactured violin. If however the label is old and matches the rest of the instrument, then it could be potentially worth a lot of money. You will still have to have it appraised as no buyer would purchase it base solely on the label.
You don't have to immediately go to an appraiser if you want to know about your instrument. Many professional violinists will be able to give you some kind of appraisal for free. Ask the first violinist at your local orchestra for help. He might tell you if it's worth pursuing your claim and which appraiser would be able to serve you best. You might also want to ask a faculty member at a nearby music school. These should make for a good start before asking an appraiser.
Whenever you hire the services of a professional appraiser, always go for a written proof. It will be more expensive, but at least you will have a record of your claim as well as the references regarding how he arrived at the value.
With your written references, it is best to have your copy restored. This will make it more respectable in case potential buyers are interested in your copy. You might be surprised that these simple violin appraisals can net you in excess of ten thousand dollars at one time.
violin appraisals
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