slb62clb92 - Posted - 09/07/2010:  14:11:10

My friend has a violin that say Joh. Bapt. Schweitzer fecit ad formam Antonii Stradivarii Pestini 1855 on the label inside it. We are trying to determine some type of value on this instrument which is in excellent condition. No cracks that I could see. It does have a wooden case that is cracked on the top. If anyone know where around Zanesville OH we could take it to have it examined & valued that would be great.

transplant - Posted - 09/07/2010:  14:20:38

I play a "J.B. Schweizer" cello, and have had a violin carrying such a label in my hands recently. I believe those are trade labels, used to mark a particular line of commercial instruments. Many millions were made and shipped in the 19th and 20th centuries. Millions, carrying various labels, or no label at all. Decently set up, some of them can be rewarding instruments to play.

M-D - Posted - 09/07/2010:  14:37:36

Post some quality, close-up photos. Front, back, side, scroll, and label, if possible.

fiddlepogo - Posted - 09/07/2010:  16:15:18

Kenyon College in Gambier and Ohio University in Athens are not that far away, may have strings programs,
and may have someone who could give you a rough idea of the value and quality, and perhaps could link you
with someone who could do an accurate appraisal.

The chances of it being really valuable are very slim.
Only a handful of historical makers have such a reputation that any of their instruments (when authenticated) are valuable.
The rest are judged according to their condition and suitability for use by violinists.
If it's playable, and needs very little other work (there are other potentially expensive problems besides cracks) , it could be worth $300 or $400.
If it sounds SPECTACULAR (like it has a BIG sound that projects well) you could get a fair amount more, if it were put on consignment at a good violin shop. And the place you have sell it has quite a bit to do with what it can be sold for.
If they know they have customers wanting just that sound, it could sell for more.
If a shop doesn't have the clientele that's looking for something like that, it could take a LONG time, even at a fair price.