About 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.
Question I have a Violin that was given to me. My grandmother said she was told it was a Stratavires ( i know that is spelled wrong) It was my great grandfathers. It does not have a label something on the the violin say's germany. The case it has a metal plate with GEIB Chicago stamped on it. Do you know how i can tell what kind it is? What year?
I also have a Mandolin (gibson) that was made in the late 1800's. Who can help me with that? I have the serial number for it.
Answer Hi Barbara,
Well, violins with a Stradivari label (that are not actually by Stradivari) have been produced since before the maker's death in 1737, so saying that it has a label with that name doesn't do us much good. The "made in Germany" addition that many labels have occurred when the US changed its customs laws with the outbreak of World War I, so any violin made before that wouldn't have any notation of the country of origin.
Unfortunately, with the information you've given me, there's absolutely nothing I can tell you about the instrument. The case is incidental, for the reason that the case may not be the one the violin originally came in, and at any rate, old cases are generally worthless. Without more information, such as pictures or a detailed description of the violin, there's no way to put any kind of date or origin on the violin.
If you have pictures and would like to send them, I'll be happy to take a look at them. In the meantime, I would recommend taking it to a qualified violin shop for examination. The website www.violinist.com has a fairly comprehensive listing by state.
