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: 4/16/2008 Subject: Aegidius Kloz old violin
Question I have an old and worn violin from my fathers estate, which has a label inside reading "Aegidius Kloz in Mitten-mald an der Ifer I." (or close to that) It has a sort of diamond and dot border around the label but no date.
Any information you can give me would be appreciated. Age, history, value, how to authenticate etc.
Many thanks
Answer Good Morning Marika,
There are a huge number of violins bearing "Klotz" labels, partially because the Klotz family history extends over several generations. Aegidius was the "Grandad" of the family and was a really great maker. His violins tend to be "high bellied", dark varnished violins with slightly elongated scrolls and a sweet sound, but not a lot of power, dating from the 1700's. The unfortunate part of the story is that there are all these copies floating around because Klotz' style of violin-making was widely copied by other makers in his area thus giving rise the term "Klotz school" violins, meaning a violin whose design and construction was stongly influenced by the design and style of Aegidius Klotz (and which were continued to be mimicked by his own family for at least a century after is death). It is also possible that the entire label issue is moot, because it may just be a facsimile. I'm afraid I can't tell you much without some pictures. You are welcome to send them to me at: dalton@pottersviolins.com and I will give you more information if I can...
