Many old violins can be worth several times what you paid for them. You can get at least two thousand dollars for the genuine article and it's not unusual to find specimens that reach upwards of ten thousand dollars. Because of the complexities involved with this type of instrument, it is best to get violin appraisals first before deciding to sell
First of all, the labels on older instruments can be a bit misleading. The famous Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, Stainer and other makers have been copied many times over so just because your violin has that label doesn't automatically make it a keeper. This is backed up by the fact that most of the more famous ones have already been catalogued.
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.
If the label is in English and it clearly states where it was made, then it is probably a factory manufactured violin. If however the label is old and matches the rest of the instrument, then it could be potentially worth a lot of money. You will still have to have it appraised as no buyer would purchase it base solely on the label.
You might want to ask someone who is knowledgeable about violins for his opinion. You can start at your local orchestra and ask the first or second violinist for his opinion. This shouldn't be misconstrued as conclusive, but it is a good start.
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.
The total cost for most violin appraisals will only be around six or seven percent of the value of the instrument. This is a small amount compared to the thousands of dollars you will might potential earn from your violin.
violin appraisals
First of all, the labels on older instruments can be a bit misleading. The famous Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, Stainer and other makers have been copied many times over so just because your violin has that label doesn't automatically make it a keeper. This is backed up by the fact that most of the more famous ones have already been catalogued.
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.
If the label is in English and it clearly states where it was made, then it is probably a factory manufactured violin. If however the label is old and matches the rest of the instrument, then it could be potentially worth a lot of money. You will still have to have it appraised as no buyer would purchase it base solely on the label.
You might want to ask someone who is knowledgeable about violins for his opinion. You can start at your local orchestra and ask the first or second violinist for his opinion. This shouldn't be misconstrued as conclusive, but it is a good start.
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.
The total cost for most violin appraisals will only be around six or seven percent of the value of the instrument. This is a small amount compared to the thousands of dollars you will might potential earn from your violin.
violin appraisals