What is history behind old violin with inner label 'Antonius Stradiuvarius Cremonensis?

Answer 1

"Since well before the turn of the twentieth century, manufacturers of violins, often nestled in the valleys of southern as well as western and eastern Germany, were producing tens of thousands of violins annually, labeled "Antonius Stradiuarius, Cremonenfis Faciebat Anno 17 " and had a circular embellishment on these labels which included a cross above the initials "A" and "S". More often than not, the last two digits of the date were penciled or inked in by hand. Sometimes it was left blank.

These manufacturers, housed in such towns as "Bubenreuth", "Mittenwald", " Markneukirchen" to mention a few, mass produced these violins, in part by hand or completely by machine, and, until 1957, labeled them exactly as the master did. After that date, the words "Copy of" were often included on the labels.

They were also made world-wide in such places as Bulgaria, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Japan, England and elsewhere.

Millions of these instruments exist today.

Antonio, along with his sons are believed to have made more than 1,100 instruments during his lifetime of which roughly 512 violins are thought to still remain, depending on who you're asking.

It is also known that many were destroyed either by fire, accident, lost at sea or floods, during the fire-bombing of Dresden, etc., which leaves virtually none unaccounted for.

To determine whether yours is the genuine article you need to take it in person to an expert near you. Such experts may be found among members of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers listed in the pages of this web site. These experts may and often do charge for their time and opinion

The odds that you have found a genuine Stradivari will be very slim indeed "

Answer 2

Stradivari during his life of 92-93 years made about 840-50 Violins of which about 500 have survived Now he was a teacher and had a violin shop in Cremona Italy , he build many himself for the rich and also the poor or average people of the time . The Violins that were acceptable and produced by his students were allowed to stick his label in the inside , even do he did not make them , later on even after his death many a violin builders , fraudulently used his label to sell their violins , so I wouldn't' be to exited about the originality of your Violin , it perhaps could have antiquity value but to be one of Stradivari is very difficult as most of the surviving ones are all ready owned by some one else because of their value , but if you want to be sure take it to a music store that sells Violins and they can direct you to a possible expert that can determine a possible value ... Good luck

Answer 3

Probably a phoney. Take it to an expert, though, as if it is a true Stradivarius it is worth a fortune.