How To Go About With Violin Appraisals
You might have an old instrument that's collecting dust somewhere in your basement, but that doesn't mean that it should be immediately written off as something worthless. Many violin appraisals have found copies to be worth several thousand dollars with a few reaching in excess of ten thousand dollars.
Don't rush to the nearest dealer just yet as there are many signs that you can find to help you with your own evaluation. If your copy has the words Stradivari, Amati or Guarneri, that does not immediately qualify it as the real deal. It may in fact be an old copy that has been passed along as a fake. This was a common practice around two hundred years ago, so you shouldn't be surprised if your instrument fits this category.
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.
In order to appraise an instrument on your own, first check the label just under the f-hole. If it's in English and it clearly indicates the country of origin, then it's probably a factory made copy and is not really worth investigating further. If it is however old and seems to match the condition of the rest of your violin, then it could be worth something although reputable appraisers rarely go by the label alone.
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.
Whenever you hire the services of a professional appraiser, always go for a written proof. It will be more expensive, but at least you will have a record of your claim as well as the references regarding how he arrived at the value.
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
Don't rush to the nearest dealer just yet as there are many signs that you can find to help you with your own evaluation. If your copy has the words Stradivari, Amati or Guarneri, that does not immediately qualify it as the real deal. It may in fact be an old copy that has been passed along as a fake. This was a common practice around two hundred years ago, so you shouldn't be surprised if your instrument fits this category.
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.
In order to appraise an instrument on your own, first check the label just under the f-hole. If it's in English and it clearly indicates the country of origin, then it's probably a factory made copy and is not really worth investigating further. If it is however old and seems to match the condition of the rest of your violin, then it could be worth something although reputable appraisers rarely go by the label alone.
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.
Whenever you hire the services of a professional appraiser, always go for a written proof. It will be more expensive, but at least you will have a record of your claim as well as the references regarding how he arrived at the value.
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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