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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Need help identifying a German made violin

Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/55902

LukeF - Posted - 11/02/2021: 19:10:01

I received a violin as a gift from a friend who is moving. It sounds very nice but need help in finding out more about this little gem. She bought it as a 7 yr old kid in a shop in San Diego around the 1970's. It is a 3/4 size. The 3 lines of the label shows:

Copy of Antonius Stradivarius
faciebat Cremona 1713
Made in West Germany and two hand written numbers "1109" and "229"

Can anyone tell me anything about it? Is it considered a good quality instrument or is it a cheap student model? Do you know who the maker is? I have attached a few photos. Thanks for your help.

Luke

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 11/03/2021: 13:04:29

It actually looks pretty sweet! The factory/workshop devoted extra time to antique it up. The f-holes aren't scalloped (what's that term called, anyway?) but hey, no big deal. I like it that the label makes no bones about it being made in West Germany, something that clearly places it in a specific time period. In other words, I'd definitely take it off the wall for a cruise if I saw it in a shop.

ChickenMan - Posted - 11/03/2021: 14:45:16

As a 3/4 fiddle it's likely a student model. Labels mean little except this one identifies it as being made during the separation of East and West Germany, not usually a faked time period,so probably legit.

ChickenMan - Posted - 11/03/2021: 14:46:19

Also if you are of adult size in the hands department, it's probably too small for you.

LukeF - Posted - 11/03/2021: 17:35:16

I'm giving the violin to my grandson who is 10 yrs old, so the size is appropriate for him.

Thanks for the information guys.

ChickenMan - Posted - 11/03/2021: 18:47:17

Perfect! It looks like a pretty decent instrument for him to start.