Old Violin Cases?

January 26, 2012 at 10:51 PM · I happen to be a fan, and something of a collector of old violin cases! Some cases have actually been attributed to Stradivari! The well-known English firm of Hill made beautiful wood cases, as did some French firms and later, the Salvi company. Many of the old wood cases had their handles on the top, rather than on the side. This made them more awkward to carry - but I find that look charming! Ed Maday made me a mahagony double case to house two of the violins he made for me. It's not for gigs - just to sit regally in my living room! It's more or less in a retro style, including the handle on the top of the lid.

I highly recommend the book "The Art and History of Violin Cases" by Glenn Wood, whom I know personally. In fact I just bought from him the Hill case pictured in his book on p.37! I also have two wooden cases that are probably French, and one covered in genuine alligator skin. There are also some beautiful multi bow cases made of wood, with marquetry inlays by Hill, Salvi,et al.

PS Can anyone advise me on how to copy and paste a photo here? My usual Control/C then Control V isn't working. If possible, I'd like to include a few photos of cases.

January 26, 2012 at 11:26 PM · Now another question.....would it cost a fortune to get one? I am planning on going to Italy in some years, maybe i'll get lucky and find one in some shop down an alleyway or something?

January 27, 2012 at 12:36 PM · Most people all over are more hip today. It's not like the mid-19th century when Luigi Tarisio scoured the Italian countryside and found treasures for almost nothing.

Nice old cases come up now and then at auctions. A Hill in decent condition can fetch about $1,500 or so.

January 27, 2012 at 02:14 PM · Every so often a ridgeback crocodile case turns up on ebay-- how cool is that! I've also seen better "coffin" style cases circa 1880, relatively light weight and velvet interior. These are still usable, but do not offer the same degree of protection as a modern case. The brass friction-grip latches work quite well IMO. Allows you to travel in style with your violin!

January 27, 2012 at 06:28 PM · In April 2008 I published an article in The Strad exploring a case attributed to Antonio Stradivari in the late 1600s. I'll be happy to mail a reprint to you (or to other v.comers as well, of course!).

June 27, 2012 at 05:39 PM · Hi!

I have an old stainer violin copy that is in a gator case. I'm trying to find out when the cases were made and by whom, to help give me an age of the violin. Anyone?.....thanks..Lynn

lfrederickson@rogers.com

June 28, 2012 at 11:16 AM · Lynn, that won't really date your violin. The violin is unlikely to have been in the same case all its life. When I think of how many cases I have had...

Cheers Carlo

July 1, 2012 at 03:31 PM · I have this old copie of a stradivarius made by herbelein th. and its been in the same old black leather case its whole life. The cases was nothing special.