Are there any fraudulent labels on a violin?

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.

What does the label Say on a Stradivari violin?

Labels may be printed or hand written. Stradivari normally used a printed label that said: “Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonenfis; Faciebat Anno 17__” and has a circular logo device with a cross and the initials AS. The text on this label is in Latin which means “Antonio Stradivari, Cremona (the city he worked in), Made in the Year 17__.”

When did they start putting serial numbers on violins?

The inserted label may confirm the appraisers opinion but rarely will sway it. Serial numbers – Serial numbers weren’t typically used in violins until the mid-1900’s and even dates were only sometimes added to labels.

When does a violin have to be made in Germany?

After 1891, all imports to the United States were required to have the country of origin stamped inside it, and so “Germany” or “Bavaria” might be stamped by the label, or “Made in Germany” after 1921. If this is the case, it is a factory-made copy and not much more than a hundred years old.

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.

What kind of label does a Stainer violin have?

In the 18th century, it was common to pay more for a Stainer violin than one made in Cremona. Like other great masters, his label was used in numerous copies of his work long after his death,.

What do the labels on a Stradivarius violin mean?

The labels were not at all intended to be a trick or forgery but actually pay homage to the violinmaker and even a specific instrument. The labels were meant to indicate that the violin was in the fashion of Stradivari’s work and that the size and dimensions are copied from a particular instrument, made during a particular year.

After 1891, all imports to the United States were required to have the country of origin stamped inside it, and so “Germany” or “Bavaria” might be stamped by the label, or “Made in Germany” after 1921. If this is the case, it is a factory-made copy and not much more than a hundred years old.

How old does a violin have to be to be considered old?

It’s understandable. To most people, anything over 5 years is old – cars, television, and grandma. So of course a violin that is 50 or 100 years old seems very old. However, in the violin business, 100 years old is actually termed and considered “modern”. To be considered truly old, an instrument should be from 1800-1850 or earlier.

Where can I buy a vintage violin on eBay?

Antique violins can work as either instruments or appealing display pieces. These vintage violins are available from a variety of brands at affordable prices on eBay. Exploring the different specifications and countries of origin for these products can help you know what to look for when considering these collectible instruments.

It’s understandable. To most people, anything over 5 years is old – cars, television, and grandma. So of course a violin that is 50 or 100 years old seems very old. However, in the violin business, 100 years old is actually termed and considered “modern”. To be considered truly old, an instrument should be from 1800-1850 or earlier.

How old is an anonymous Italian violin instrument?

An anonymous Italian instrument that is over 200 years old and a is fine work of art may still be worth several thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Note also that there were roughly 20,000 violin makers over more than 250 years making instruments in the Italian tradition in the vity of Cremona, Italy alone (the home of Stradivari).

Antique violins can work as either instruments or appealing display pieces. These vintage violins are available from a variety of brands at affordable prices on eBay. Exploring the different specifications and countries of origin for these products can help you know what to look for when considering these collectible instruments.

How can you tell a Stradivarius violin from a copy?

There are several ways to tell a real Strad from a copy. Many of the imitations have the same label but with “copy” stamped in the language of its originating country. Many of these imitations were mass-produced in both Germany and France. While not a genuine Strad, a handful of these copies are now valuable in their own right.

Where did mislabeling of a violin come from?

Mislabeling of instruments goes back nearly as far as the violin family itself, as chronicled by the legendary Hill family dealers in their book Antonio Stradivari, His Life and Work (London, 1902). In 1685 a court violinist petitioned his employer, the Duke of Modena, for relief as a victim of label fraud.

How can you tell if a violin is a Stainer?

Look for a label. Stainer hand-wrote the labels on his violins. A typed label indicates that the violin is probably not a true Stainer, or that a label was made later by a dealer and attached. (References 1,3)

How can I tell how much my violin is worth?

Look inside the violin through the F-holes (the spaces on the front of the violin) and check for a label inside the instrument. It may be glued to the inside back of the violin. If the label clearly says in English, “made in (country)” then it is a factory-produced violin, not an antique.

Who was behind the label on the Amati violin?

In 1685 a court violinist petitioned his employer, the Duke of Modena, for relief as a victim of label fraud. Tomasso Antonio Vitali purchased a violin bearing the label of the great Nicolo Amati for the sum of nine pistoles, only to find that behind the master’s label was that of his pupil, Francesco Ruggieri.

Why did they put alum on violin labels?

To control the ink from running, the paper was sized with a coating of alum to make it more water resistant. Because the sizing was acidic, it made the labels less stable than those made of laid paper. These labels are also more prone to curling and browning.

To control the ink from running, the paper was sized with a coating of alum to make it more water resistant. Because the sizing was acidic, it made the labels less stable than those made of laid paper. These labels are also more prone to curling and browning.

How to tell if a violin label has been removed?

The edges of the label itself should blend in cleanly to the wood surface. If there is any curling at the edges exposing lighter-colored wood underneath, it probably means the surface was treated to look old after a false label had been inserted. 3. Has the label been removed at any point?

What makes an old violin a fake instrument?

Fake old instruments, such as the one to the left, have blisters, cracks and crackles that are painted into the varnish. Sometimes the varnish is shiny and new in addition to having fake cracks, crackling and blemishes! Finally, actually old instruments sometimes have extra lining where the top wood meets the ribs.

Why does the top of my violin need to be replaced?

Thanks to many trips to the violin shop for top removal for repairs, the wood on the edge of the top can grow thin and weak. In order to secure the instrument, the edges require a new lining to be added. As with pegbox bushing, not all old instruments have this lining.

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