An old violin in your cabinet that's been handed down to you by a distant uncle might actually be worth something if you follow the progress of current violin appraisals. It's not rare to find someone who's earned tens of thousands of dollars from the sale of an old instrument. Before you jump for joy at the prospect, you should learn some of the basics before having your copy appraised by a professional.
First of all, the labels on older instruments can be a bit misleading. The famous Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, Stainer and other makers have been copied many times over so just because your violin has that label doesn't automatically make it a keeper. This is backed up by the fact that most of the more famous ones have already been catalogued.
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 you're not sure about your copy, first look at the label which should be below the f-hole. Most of the factory made instruments are labeled in English and will have their manufacturer or country of origin written down. If the label is older however and it is written down in Italian, French or German, then it could be potential a keeper.
The best way to be sure about your copy is to ask a professional. You don't need to take it to an appraiser immediately, but someone who has extensive knowledge handling these instruments will be much better than no one at all. If your area has a local orchestra, ask for the opinion of the first violinist. He will have a good opinion of your instrument and will also be able to recommend you a good appraiser. If you live near a reputable music school, asking the string faculty will also be very useful.
He may be able to recommend to you a good appraiser that you can hire. The cost of this usually is usually around five to ten percent of the value indicated, but many appraisers charge much lower fees. Be sure to get a written appraisal just in case.
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
First of all, the labels on older instruments can be a bit misleading. The famous Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, Stainer and other makers have been copied many times over so just because your violin has that label doesn't automatically make it a keeper. This is backed up by the fact that most of the more famous ones have already been catalogued.
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 you're not sure about your copy, first look at the label which should be below the f-hole. Most of the factory made instruments are labeled in English and will have their manufacturer or country of origin written down. If the label is older however and it is written down in Italian, French or German, then it could be potential a keeper.
The best way to be sure about your copy is to ask a professional. You don't need to take it to an appraiser immediately, but someone who has extensive knowledge handling these instruments will be much better than no one at all. If your area has a local orchestra, ask for the opinion of the first violinist. He will have a good opinion of your instrument and will also be able to recommend you a good appraiser. If you live near a reputable music school, asking the string faculty will also be very useful.
He may be able to recommend to you a good appraiser that you can hire. The cost of this usually is usually around five to ten percent of the value indicated, but many appraisers charge much lower fees. Be sure to get a written appraisal just in case.
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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