Expert: Michael Avagliano - 3/29/2009

Question
I have recently acquired an old violin which appears to be approximately 3/4's the size of a normal violin. It is obviously very old and shows signs of wear. The violin came in a very old looking wood case with a bow that has been well used(no strings left# It is marked STAINER on the back below the neck. It appears to be made of maple#tiger?)and possibly spruce with no cracks or holes anywhere. It is very light and in good shape with a newer looking bridge and bottom anchor. My knowledge is very limited on violins but I find them very attractive and the sound irresistible.
    I would imagine this to be an old copy of a Stainer since there is a wood burnt name on the back and no label inside. Would this have any value to be insured for and would these copies be of good enough quality to learn on or even keep "in the family" for years to come? My son and daughter play the guitar and both express a desire to learn on this violin.
    Thanking you in advance for any help you can offer.

Answer
Hi Jim,

 Violins like the one you describe are generally German in origin, and sometimes Czech. As you suspect, in all likelihood it is a Stainer copy or model (Jacob Stainer, who was a 17th century German maker, never stamped his instruments). If the condition of the violin is good, and there's no structural damage, it could be a very solid instrument for a student. It wouldn't really be suitable for an adult player because the string length on a 3/4 size would make playing difficult for a full-size hand. The size can be determined for sure by measuring the length of the back of the violin, not including the neck heel or button. A full-size violin will measure approximately 14 inches. If it's 13 1/2", it's a 3/4 size.

I would recommend getting it looked at by a violin shop, just to check that everything is set up well for playing, but assuming that it is, they can be very sweet-sounding instruments.

As far as value is concerned, I can't give you an accurate appraisal in a setting like this, but for the most part, these instruments would have a value in the few-to-several hundred dollar range, almost certainly not more than $700. The value depends on the origin (German or Czech), the condition, and the quality of construction, which varied widely.

I hope this is helpful, and enjoy the violin!

Michael