About L. Dalton Potter Expertise I have been involved in the violin trade for over 28 years. I am currently the President of The Potter Violin Company in Bethesda, MD. I can offer clients initial advice on the value, authenticity and quality of almost all bowed string instruments (violins, violas, cellos & basses) using good quality digital photos. I would decline to give final evaluations without examining instruments in person.
Experience Experience in Music Business: Charlie Byrd's Music House; 1977 - 1980
Senior violin technician: Violin House of Weaver; 1980 - 1996.
President: The Potter Violin Company; 1996 - Present
Organizations: Founding member;String Industry Council, Violin Society of America, American String Teachers Association, Guild of American Luthiers,
Suzuki Association of America, Publications; Journal of the American String Teacher's Association, American Suzuki Journal Education/Credentials;Berklee College of Music 1974 - 1977
Awards and Honors: Chester J. Patranek Award for Excellence in the Music Industry
Traugott Rohner Leadership in the Music Industry Award
(26 years of service - too many to list)
Expert: L. Dalton Potter Date: 3/25/2008 Subject: Guiseppe Guarnerius Violin... Authentic?
Question Just curious about the authenticity of a violin I have attained. The label says "Giuseppe Guarnerius fecit Cremona 1698 IHS, and it does have the Roman cross. I know that without seeing the instrument it is probably impossible to tell, but it is worth a try to even learn more about the instrument. It also has designs (carvings?) around the perimeter of the front and back and another design in the middle of the back. It is not in the greatest shape and there is a label inside that says it was repaired by D.J. Eckels in Pittsburgh, PA. Thanks!
Answer Hi Alex,
As you probably already know, many of the labels in old violins are what is euphemistically termed "facsimile" labels, meaning they may or may not have anything to do with a real person making instruments; even though it may be a really nice instrument. The extra "ornamentation" you describe does not bode well for it being anything special. Many violins were made for resale by other shops during the period from 1870 until right before WWII so that it is highly likely that you have a decent quality German or French "trade" violin with a fictitious mark.
You are welcome to e-mail me digital photos at dalton@pottersvioins.com and I will examine them and clarify further, if I can.
