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Violin/strainer ?
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Question
I AM NOT SURE WHAT I HAVE BUT I DO KNOW THAT IT IS MARKED STRAINER.I ALSO KNOW THAT IT IS VERY OLD AND I HAVE WHAT LOOKS TO BE THE ORIGINAL CASE FOR IT. HOW DO I IDENTIFY WHAT I HAVE AND FIND THE VALUE? IS THERE A WEB SITE TO SHOW PICS, SO I CAN MAYBE IDENTIFY MY PEICE?
Dear Bridget,
Stainer was a famous maker of the 18th Century and in the 19th Century, many thousands of copies of his instruments were made. If your instrument is stamped or branded on the back or the back of the head, it is a copy.
To be certain, you should have it examined by a violin expert. You can find a violin appraiser near you by going to AFVBM.com, the leading violin experts of the USA.
Good Luck,
Charles Rufino
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Answers by Expert:
Charles Rufino
Expertise
Questions about bowed instruments- violins, violas, cellos (violoncellos), basses, and their bows. Fractional and Full Sizes. How to choose an instrument for purchase. Any questions about repair, restoration, and valuations.
Experience
I have been a professional violin maker since 1974, trained in the finest shops of Europe and the USA. I care for the rare instruments of professional musician clients yet have a family-friendly studio. Instruments which I have made are played by leading professional musicians.
Organizations
American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, International Society of Master Violin and Bow Makers, American String Teachers Association, American Violin Society, International Viola Society, Chamber Music America,
Publications
Journal of The American String Teacher, New Music Box
Education/Credentials
My studies included an apprenticeship at the Newark School of Violin Making, Newark Nottinghamshire, UK. Study visits to leading London shops such as WE Hill & Sons, J&A Beare, etc. In 1977 I joined the firm of Stradivarius Studios under Nigo Nigogosian. In 1980 I joined the firm of Carl Becker and Son. In 1984 I opened my own studio in New York.
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