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: 4/12/2008 Subject: violin/fiddle
Question My grandfather has an old violin that belonged to his father. It has a printed label inside which says "Giovan palo magginni fecit in brecia 1597". I am guessing they have owned it atleast since the 1920's, maybe longer. We are from the south, and it was played as a fiddle at many a back porch get together, however it hasnt been played in probably 30 or more years. Just wondering if it had any value other than sentimental. It currently resides in an old tattered case in the closet, should we do something more to keep it preserved, Thanks so much, jeremy
Answer Hi Jeremy,
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. Most of the violins bearing the Maggini label are German from around 1870 up to 1920 and were made well using good wood and often having an "extra turn" on the scroll or "double-purfling" (the double inlaid lines on the top and back - you have to compare it to another fiddle to see the difference) this was a specific trait that Giovanni Paolo Maggini used on SOME of his instruments. The funny part is, that virtually all of the copies have them! Anyway, the majority of these instruments were made by a company called Lowendahl and a pretty nice - in perfect shape probably worth around $1500 - $2000.
All the Best!
Dalton Potter
