Q & A

K. J. of Fairview, Alberta writes:

I bought a big box of miscellaneous items at an auction, and this was a surprise at the bottom. It wasn't even a local auction, so I couldn't find anything out about it. I don't know if the case and the bow came with the violin originally or not. It's a big mystery! If only it could talk.

The case is 30.5 inches long by 9 inches wide, at the widest point. The bow is 29 inches long. The violin itself is 22 by 7.5 inches, and is 1.5 inches deep. Other than the sticker on the inside, I can't find any type of mark. Also can't see any marks on the bow or on the case. It looks to be a well played instrument though.

In my research, all I've found out is that copies of Stradivarius violins, made after 1891 may have "made in Czechoslovakia" on the label, which this one does have. After 1891 this was required by the United States on imported goods. Also, after 1957, the words "copy of" were often included on the label. Someone told me once that Sears also made copies.

As you can tell I haven't found out much. Except that it could possibly (or not) have been made between the years 1891 and 1957.


We asked Andrew Kirk to respond:

This is the kind of violin that we see many of....
Around the turn of the last century violins like this were produced for many import companies, including Sears Roebuck. The label is not meant to fool anyone, it merely indicates the model of the instrument as identified in many catalogs. The instrument seems very typical of its kind. It does not appear to have any major defects or problems, although this is hard to say without first hand investigation.

Instruments like this typically run about $500-$1200 depending on their final sound and look after restoration. In its present unplayable condition it would be worth about $150-$200.

It appears to need a good cleaning, some varnish touch-up, a set up including sound post, bridge, new tailpiece or at least tail-gut, strings and most likely some work on the pegs and fingerboard. The case does not figure prominently in value or identification. The bow is hard to see.