Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/4/2005

Question
My family has an antique violin with stratovaris written on the inside.  Not sure on the spelling of the name. Ever heard of it?  Any info on it would be helpful.  Belonged to the family for years and years.  
Thanks,
Denise

Answer
Hi Denise,

I think this violin maker has been the subject of much fakery over the years.  In his life time, he made over an estimated 1000 violins, and 600-700 are accounted for.  But, because he was a skilled maker with attention to detail, his instruments represent the best.  

So naturally, those that could make a good copy did so. And, then they would label it in such a way that would make it appear to be one of the originals.  

So, you may have a decent violin, but it is unlikely to be one of the originals.  And, unless there is an obvious error, like a mis-spelling or incorrect date; it would probably require the services of a professional appraiser to be certain.  But, the odds against this being an original are rather high.

kms