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Dkee18 - Posted - 10/06/2017: 14:37:43
I just purchased a violin. The label shows the name as the Lewis and then the company named Wm. Lewis & Son. It has a model number of 100 x 4/4 and a serial number of 1331. What can you tell me about this particular violin? I have not seen anything that shows the actual name of the violin as the Lewis as this one does.
amwildman - Posted - 10/06/2017: 17:43:17
I think it's an old Monkey Wards brand. Maybe Sears. Imported by the thousands. Not worth much, unfortunately.
Edited by - amwildman on 10/06/2017 17:44:23
Dkee18 - Posted - 10/06/2017: 17:48:05
Thank you. What is Monkey Wards? If you are referring to Montgomery Wards, I specifically said it was a Wm. Lewis & son. The violin is specifically named The Lewis. Are they the same?
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 10/06/2017: 20:25:43
William Lewis & Son was a distinguished Chicago-based music store that specialized in violins and bows. The firm was founded in 1874.[1] In 1995, the company was purchased by Selmer, and has since become a division of Conn-Selmer, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments.[2]
Generally the imported instruments came in the late 19th and early 20th from either Markneukirchen or Mittenwald Germany. Both have makers of mass produced and fine instruments. The values range from tens to thousands of dollars. No way to tell for certain but those models with a The involved in the name were usually of a slightly higher quality. Some of these instruments are excellent others are just OK suitable for students to begin learning on. A high value for this instrument is likely a few hundred dollars. The only real way to find out is to take it and pay for an appraisal. R/
Dkee18 - Posted - 10/06/2017: 20:42:40
Thank you. I picked this up for my granddaughter who just wanted something to keep her skills up as hers was severely damaged in flood. It appears that since I only paid $150 for it, I got a good deal whether its worth a little or a lot. Again, thanks for the information.
UsuallyPickin - Posted - 10/07/2017: 05:17:49
If you purchased an instrument that your daughter enjoys playing for 150.00$ then you have indeed scored. A good set of strings starts at 30.00$. Luthier maintenance of pegs or bridge or sound post start at 100.00$ and go up depending. As an aside the instrument I prefer to play is an early last century Strad copy labeled The Koschat. I paid 250.00$ for it thirty years ago. R/
'Done Gone - Jesse Milnes' 18 min
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