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: 4/30/2008 Subject: Violin maker
Question Hi I have a violin labled Johann Cristian Schloster Violin maker in Klingenthal & have been unable to find any information about the maker or violin. Could you help. Thanks
Answer Hello John,
While I am not immediately familiar with that particular maker, I will say that the Germans in Klingenthal were responsible for producing huge numbers of "trade" violins, especially during the period between 1880 and 1920. Many of names and labels are generic and were designed as brand names assigned to one or another secondary (or retail) businesses. If it is as Is suspect, the instrument's value could vary widely (a few hundred to a few thousand).I will follow up with you later this week after having reviewed some of the books in my library. I may have more information for you then.
All the Best!
