Help Identifying Violin

August 22, 2015 at 10:52 PM · link with pictures

http://m.imgur.com/8pUdImk,vBBOKct,kU6K8nW,ysjXf4r,oxnCnBf,fwlKLSp,b8eoM8P

August 23, 2015 at 03:21 AM · It looks like an old German violin with a Del Gesu label, they were made by the thousands during various periods in time, in the 1800's and the early 1900's. Could be worth something big, could be worth a few dollars. Pretty much all surviving Del Gesus are accounted for, so chances are infinitesimally small that it is a real one by Guarnieri, but hey, sometimes it can happen!

Try contacting these guys, they have experience with this type of stuff:

http://www.guarnieri.com/ghviolin.htm

August 23, 2015 at 03:34 AM · thanks! in my limited experience I thought it was more likely Italian. since it is a lot thinner than most violins. also I believe that the dark varnish is not original. under the scratchs there seems to be a lighter varnish. what makes you think its German though? anyway, thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

August 23, 2015 at 04:33 AM · In my "Violin Manual" book, it mentions that German workshop violins(19~20th century) as Fox said have dead give-away with the way that the scrolls look.

In your 5th image, it looks identical to the photograph shown in my book, but the varnish looks very similar to French violins that I've seen.

My book also mentions that the light "orange-ish" varnish was used for German workshop. My current violin has been identified as a German workshop violin, and it has the varnish I've described.

August 23, 2015 at 05:50 AM · Both the Germans and the French made a bunch of these 'Guarnieri' violins, and the varnish on them as far as I remember is pretty similar. I went with German on my assumption because they seem to be a lot more common than the French copies (I've seen about 2 French ones for every 10 German ones).

And again, this is all speculation based on my limited experience and knowledge. For a proper appraisal you need to take the violin to an expert. Most experts will charge you a fee of some sort (those on the link I sent you charge $40 I think). What you have right now /if/ it is a period German/French replica in good working order could be worth between $300 to $3000. If it's a real Del Gesu, remember to invite us over to the housewarming party of your new mansion or yacht. ;)

August 23, 2015 at 02:11 PM · And you own how many del Gesu's, Joe!!!???

August 23, 2015 at 02:33 PM · Funny, most people would think you're the troll here Joe!!

August 23, 2015 at 07:05 PM · Fox Mitchell- this violin is the perfect fit for me both in the physical and acoustic. never have I played in a more comfortable resonant violin. whether its worth hundreds or millions, I don't plan on parting ways any time soon ;) so I'm sorry but no mansions or yachts.( just wonderful music)

August 23, 2015 at 07:25 PM · I know the felling Andre... except I'm $2000 short to stay with one.

August 23, 2015 at 11:55 PM · Andre, I love your attitude! Keep having fun with it! :)

August 25, 2015 at 05:49 AM · Andre,

Just curious how thick is the violin body at the narrow middle section? 1.75 inches? 1 3/8 inches?

August 26, 2015 at 02:46 AM · I dont know, I'll have to measure but in one of the pictures I placed the tube of Hills Peg dope, the violin is about as thick as the label :)

(I'll measure it as soon as I can)