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: 5/13/2008 Subject: Modessier Violin
Question Hello, I have a violin that was thought possibly to be a Vuillaume, but no one was certain. It has a very flat top and back, huge sound, cuts through anything, very dark and powerful....instrument has measurments of roughly 14 1/4 (very large).
I took it today to a Luthier who seemed excited to see what he belives to be a Modessier violin c. 1810's.
I have tried to research him, but all I find is "Paris 1810, made larger instruments with good wood"
Do you have an info on this maker (his name, any photos I can find and/or how to get more info.) also a general idea of pricing? $5K-20K, $50-100K, higher...lower?
Thanks so much for your info!
De Ann
Answer Hi De Ann,
Sometimes people guess, you know...
However, there was a French maker from the Mirecourt community between 1780-1824, who is not generally well-thought of because he experimented with odd designs - not very successfully, I'm afraid. His name was Louis Moitessier. His instruments are described having an "impropriety of discretion and good taste" and being 'bulgy-looking" and overly large. He made a lot of these instruments, apparently and none of them are known to have redeemed his reputation for very mediocre workmanship in a field generally devoted to excellence. Only the fact that your instrument is older gives it any value worth mentioning. Without seeing it I would be guessing (see above) but typically, the more modest French production instruments don't make it past the $1500 mark in perfect condition. Sorry I couldn't be more positive.
