Expert: Al Dzina - 4/22/2009

Question
Hello, I have a recieved an old violin from my grandfather with the stamp inside of Jacobus Stainer In Absam prope Oenipontum 1665.  On the back of the violin is the word Schwietzer imprinted on the back just below the neck.  I know it was purchased by my great great grandfather and passed down through time to my grandfather who used it last during a high school graduation in 1928.  It has been restored since but not by me.  Is this a copy?  or is this possibly a violin from 1665?  I live just south of Nashville TN, is there a good violin maker or restoration shop in the area that could look at it and tell me, or if you believe you know I would love to know.  Thank you in advance for any information you may be able to give me.

Answer
Hi Matt;
Try one of the following shopsL
NASHVILLE VIOLINS   2810 BRANSFORD AVE.   NASHVILLE   TN   37204   (615)292-5196   info@nashvilleviolins.com
WILLIAMS FINE VIOLINS   1103 16th AVE. S.   NASHVILLE   TN   37212   (615)429-2927   dustin@WilliamsFineViolins.com
SCOTT KELVIN VIOLINS   1329 ARMSTRONG AVE.   KNOXVILLE   TN   37917   (865)215-9967   info@ksviolins.com
Al;