Value of Violin: Joseph Guarnerius Fecit Cremonae Amo 1713 1HS?

Question

I found a violin in my parents attic that reads:

Joseph Guarnerius Fecit Cremonae Amo 1713 1HS

I remember this violin from my childhood, and frankly it always seemed like a crummy instrument. It seems flimsy rather than solid. However, I'm not a violinist, so what do I know? Is it possible that this instrument has any value?

Answer 1

Guarnerius violins are definitely known as some of the best crafted violins of all times. They are ranked up there with the Strads. However, just because it has the name, doesn't mean that it's one of the million dollar violins. Commonly, companies just use the same measurements to make the instruments as Guarnerius did, without as much detail or the quality of wood as real Guarnerius. However, it would be a good idea to take it out to a local music shop and ask them to appraise it for you. It couldn't hurt! If it turns out to be one of the real ones, you'll be a very rich man.

Answer 2

Are you yanking our chains? If that's really what it says it is one of the rarest violins in existence.

Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu

The most illustrious member of this famous family of violin makers was Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri (Cremona, Italy, 1698-1744), the fifth and last member of the family, grandson of Andrea, son of Giuseppe Giovanni Battista. He is more familiarly known as Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu. Guarnerius is the Latin form of the family name and Joseph the Hebrew form of Giuseppe. The addition of "del Gesu" to the name and the Greek abbreviation for Jesus (IHS) beneath a cross on the labels indicate veneration for the Holy Name.

The outline of his violins, with slight modifications, is founded on instruments of Antonio Stradivari. Modeling of the back and table are noticeably flattened, seemingly inspired by Maggini. The F holes are of Stradivari form but are usually elongated, more open, and less refined. The carefully applied oil varnish is soft in quality and of light texture, with the color varying between pale orange and orange-brown with, occasionally, a reddish tint. The length of the body is usually 13 7/8", sometimes 1/16" less.

The estimate of his total production is not more than 250 violins; there is no positive evidence that he made instruments in any other form, although some violas and at least one violoncello are attributed to him. Approximately 150 violins are known to exist.

Stradivari and Guarnerius are ranked as the greatest of violin makers, and some fine violinists prefer the instruments of Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu to those of Stradivari.

Typical label: Joseph Guarnerius fecit Cremonae anno 1737 IHS

http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmah/guarneri.htm

Answer 3

well, i'm no expert but my ex used to have a violin business.
the name (guarnerius) means it is a copy of a guarnerius
violin, which is pretty common. I would take it to a second-hand music shop and ask them what they would pay for it.
there is a good market for such things for kids learning to play.
also check ebay for similar things.

Answer 4

Guarnerius Violin Value