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: Violin value
Question I have my fathers violin. I do not know how to find out when or where it was made. All I see it says on inside is the signature stradivarius. My dad's father gave it to him approximately 1898 and it was used when my father recieved it. How can I find out more about it? Thank you! Joyce
Answer Hi Joyce,
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 violins; even though it may be a really nice instrument. So many violins were made with Stradivari labels in them for resale by small shops during the period from the mid 1800's up to the right 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.
