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: 5/9/2008 Subject: Armando Altavilla
Question I am considering the purchase of a violin labeled with the name of Armando Altavilla. The label further states it was made in Naples in 1913 (the last two digits handwritten). I know that many copies exist of the great craftsmen, but what about somebody less well known such as Altavilla?
Answer Hi Janine,
Actually, it's just as common to use replica labels that are less well-known in hopes of passing an instrument off as genuine. I have seen dozens of Altavilla-labeled instruments over the years. There really isn't any way to avoid having an expert look at it in person to determine authenticity and condition. Even my usual offer to review photos won't help in this case. Perhaps I could recommend someone in your area.
All the Best!
Dalton Potter
After giving it some thought, I should offer this advice on purchasing expensive allegedly Italian (or other "fine" French or English) instruments: Be sure that the violin is certified by a well-respected major dealer or appraiser (somebody OTHER than the shop or person selling it to you), do not offer to give any money UNTIL the authenticity is guaranteed and seconded. The equivalent to the "title" papers (like on your car) are these certificates. NEVER buy a violin from your teacher - it is a conflict-of-interest and completely undermines the mentor relationship that is so crucial to your absorbing and respecting their expertise as a player. If the teacher "knows" somebody selling an instrument that you might be interested in, ask to be in contact with that person directly. If there is ANY hesitation on the part of the teacher to disclose that information quickly, it is likely that there is a commercial relationship between the seller and the teacher (very bad). Also when purchasing from a shop, ask about their guarantees and trade-in policies (get them in writing). Once again, any hesitation or sense that they have to think about their answer; WALK AWAY! There are a lot of great violins and good, reputable shops you can deal with that will help you preserve your investment. Remember, it's EASY to spend money buying a violin; it's much tougher to get your money back out - especially when working "outside" of the mainstream community of dealers and shops. Auctions can be a great source of opportunity to acquire nice instruments - usually you will need to have them adjusted or worked on after you get them. Beware of papers that do not SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT THE VIOLIN WAS MADE BY the maker in question - often if there some doubt the papers will say "violin labeled" ______ blah,blah. There is a BIG ($$$$$) difference between these two descriptions...
