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: 4/24/2008 Subject: Jacobus Stainer Violin
Question I have a Jacobus Stainer violin that has been in my family over 100 years.Marked Stainer on the back and inside label says: Jacobus Stainer in Absam-PropeOeniponlom 1665- should I look for a serial number and where? Just curious about the history and the value, if any. Thanks
Answer Hi Marcia,
Jacob Stainer was a really GREAT maker and his instruments are very well thought of by professional makers and players. His work has been widely copied and unfortunately, the easiest way to identify the copies is by the brand on the back that you describe (real Stainer violins never have this mark). The average value for the type of violin you describe is around $800 - $1000 in perfect condition. These are older student instruments made in the late 1800's and generally have a nice sound for fiddle or country music. They are not really appropriate for serious classical music studies because they can't be made to sound like the great European classic violins sound so the student gets frustrated trying to accomplish something that can't be done.
