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I have a violin which was my mother's when she was little and it was my first. I believe it was made sometime in the 1950s. On the label inside it has the name Adolf Schonfelder and it says "Bruno means security". I believe it also has a logo of a lighthouse, but disregard that if it has no significance as I don't have the violin nearby to validate that. Thanks very much. And if you can find any appraisers in my area it would be much appreciated. I live in Wichita Falls, TX.
Hello Evan,
Well, Adolf Schonfelder doesn't appear in any of my standard references, although that's not too unusual. It may be a trade name that was used by one of the large German workshops. The workshops used several different, often fictitious, trade names in order to increase their marketability in the US.
Your best bet for an appraiser who's not too far from you (Texas is after all a very big state!) is the Luthier Violin Shop in Aubrey, just east of Denton. Their website is www.luthiershop.com , and the owner's name is Steve Cundall. They would be able to tell you more about your violin than I would from this distance.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Michael
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Answers by Expert:
Michael Avagliano
Expertise
I can answer questions about the violin family of instruments, including violins, violas, cellos and their bows. I can give advice on repair issues, valuation, and authenticity, although exact appraisals are not possible through the Web. If you'd like an appraisal of a particular instrument, and you tell me your location, I can usually find someone in your area to take it to for help. I have no expertise in fretted instruments (guitars, mandolins, etc.).
Experience
17 years of experience working in violin shops across the US, including 4 years of owning my own firm in New Jersey and 3 years working as director of sales for one of the best-known firms in the world. Also, as a professional musician, I've known the violin all my life.
Education/Credentials
BM, Indiana University School of Music; AS, String Instrument Technology, Indiana University; MM, Rutgers University. I also have spent 24 years as a professional violinist and violist, and 17 years repairing, restoring, and dealing in instruments.
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