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: 3/19/2008 Subject: Q about my violin backround
Question Hello my violin says inside it was made by:
Franz Wilhelm otto anno 1913
Can you tell me anything about this person and about my violin history. Thank you so much!
-sarah
Answer Good Morning Sarah,
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. There were a number of makers from a family named "Otto" dating as far back as the mid 1700's to around 1920. unfortunately, despite my efforts and using an extensive historical library of violin makers, I can't find an exact match for the name Franz Wilhelm Otto. So many violins were made for resale by other shops during the period before WWII that it is highly likely that you have a decent quality "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.
