Information on mystery American violin maker

February 6, 2017 at 03:15 AM · has anyone in the US heard this person's name?

Anyone?

February 6, 2017 at 03:30 AM · He's not mentioned in Wemberg's American makers book.

February 6, 2017 at 01:31 PM · I'll give you some hints. Cassius Marcellus Stearns (1844-1924), was the son of Elijah Stearns (1806-1891). He marrIed Charlotte Annette Finch (1850-1928) in the year 1873.

February 7, 2017 at 09:47 AM · Thanks Lyndon - it's very odd. Have asked shop for some more info, whatever he has.

The shop bought it 7 years ago.

Dexter - thank you so much! Great clue.

I've also contacted Rodger Stearns of Stearns Violins in Ohio and he's checking that Cassius M out and is very interested in a possible connection.

However - I've found a very small "Dunkirk NY" at the bottom of the label. There WAS also a Cassius M Stearns there but it seems he never married. Many Stearns in Chautauqua County.

So my long distance search continues.

For some reason, I need to find who this person was and why he wasn't in Wemberg's book.

Meantime - my son has the violin here on loan for a week.

February 7, 2017 at 10:34 AM · Wemberg's book doesn't have everyone, its basically the people he was given information on. If no one contributed information, they often don't make it into the book.