I have got a violin that i know is over one hundred years old.

The label says
Jacobus Stainer in Absom
prope oenipontum 17

If anyone out there can help me with this, I could shure use it.

From what information I have, It sounds close to an origial label

Need some help, information on violin passed down through my family, inside has Jacobus Stainer in Absam prope Oenipontum 1665. Can anyone help?

I have the same violin. I think it may be a copy of real stainer. Not sure though.

I am the pastor of a small church in Cottonwood, AZ. Recently I purchased a few items from an estate. One of the items was a violin in a wooden coffin shaped violin box. The label inside reads Jacob Stainer. The date is 1700. The sides and back are highly figured maple. Ivory handled with silver and pearl inlay bow (horse hair had turned into pieces about 1" long). I have listed it on ebay with a reserve of $250.
I do ebay to supplement my income as pastor. If you would check the item number I would appreciate any information you might have of this piece. I have 6 Quality photos and many more available. The auction has just started.

1700s Jacobus Stainer Violin, Ivory Bow, Case Item number: 2545896587

Tim Hall

I recently inherited my grandfathers violin and it is a Stainer with a label on the inside stating "Jacobus Stainer in Abfam"
"prope Oenipontum 1735". It is complete but need of work. Is this something to pursue? Any info. would be helpful.
Thanks

Jacobus Stainer died in 1683. So yours is a copy, but that doesn`t mean it isn`t worth a lot. A real Jacobus Stainer violin would probably be worth at least $80,000. There`s no telling, but don`t ever throw it away , yah right, I mean don`t damage it because even a old copy might be wanted by people in the future. Some other people in the future might damage theirs beyond repair which will decrease the number of that certain manufactured instrument made and increase the value of yours.

Hi, I read all replays and i dont know how to find out if my violin is real Stainer or copy. There is a labal inside: Jacobus Stainer in Absau 1676, the second line i cant read becase it is written by hand and it is old.
Can somebady help me?

Jacob (Absam, Austria, c. 1617-83) is the earliest and most important Austrian violin maker whose model influenced violin making in Germany, parts of Italy and several other countries. It is not known where he learned his trade, but his painstaking and elegant craftsmanship indicate that he may have had an association with the great makers of Cremona, Italy, particularly the Amati family. His instruments were in demand all over Europe until the appearance of those made by Antonio Stradivari, whose flatter and broader models had greater power. Stainer`s instruments, however, are still cherished and can hold their own with the best of Cremonese makers. Many imitations of his work exist, but his creations are so personal and original that genuine examples can be recognized by an expert in the field.

Some characteristic features of his instruments are the relatively broad lower back, higher arching of the belly than the back, beautifully cut scrolls and, in some cases, beautifully carved heads of lions, angels, or women, and varnish ranging in color from amber to orange-red, comparable in brilliance to Cremonese varnish.

Jacob Stainer violins are comparatively rare today. A few violas, including a viola di bordone and a viola bastarda, are known. Few, if any, violoncellos exist that are known to be of his hand; his double-basses are of great rarity. Also extant are some viola da gambas and viola da gambas that were converted to violoncellos.

Typical label: Jacobus Stainer in Absam
prope Oenipontum fecit 1663
(i.e., made near Oenipontus, Latin for "Innsbruck")

Marcus (c. 1633-93), often erroneously described as Jacob=s brother, lived first at Absam, then at Küfstein, and finally at Laufen, and is thought to have been a monk. He made only a small number of instruments, several of which may have been passed off as Jacob`s work.

Typical label: Marcus Stainer
bügerl: Lautten und
Geigenmacher in Küfstein
in Tyrol, 1647
(i.e., citizen: lute and violin maker, etc.)

Instrument Makers of the Stainer Family

From above.

I have a Stainer (copy i am sure) with the name "Stainer" in all caps stamped on the inside back. Someone mentioned this earlier. What does this mean?

This is really interesting. I, too, have a Stainer (copy). The handwritten label inside the instrument says "Jacobus Stainer in Absam, 1786". I paid $500 for the instrument 25 years ago. Hopefully, it is worth more now. Even as a copy, I prize it for two reasons: One, it has the sweetest tone. New instruments always sound so tight to me. Two, I almost NEVER have to retune. Even in Colorado`s weather (admittedly dry, especially now), it rarely loses it`s tune. Priceless! I play in church, so it gets used often. Well worth putting the years of lessons to a wonderful use, eh?

I`ve got a Stainer violin with the usual stamp on the inside, but with the number 17 after it. Anyone have any info. on this model???

You should always assume everything is a copy, even if the label looks old and genuine. The chances of your having a valuable violin and not knowing it are, frankly, remote. If you really think it is a possiblity, take it to an expert for appraisal.

As for the trade label one, depending on its condition you might get a couple of hundred dollars on ebay, i would be surprised if you got any more. If it`s not set up I doubt whether you`d get even 100. It`s far too big a gamble for most buyers on ebay to take (though there are idiots out there!)

On http://forums.maestronet.com there are a lot of high level violin makers and chances are they will be able to tell you a lot more than anyone here. take some good clear photos and join up and post your questions.

Liz

I have a stainer replica but no other info and I cant find anything on the internet. I know it is a replica because it is stamped on the back and the label inside says:
"jacobus stainer made in germany" If anyone knows anything I would appreciate it.

my mother died about 2 years ago and told me never to throw anything old out. Something could be worth something. Among her things my brother wanted to throw out is a very old violin in a black coffin type box.Since i was a little girl i was told that my mom`s grandfather who came from newfoundland before the pilgrims landed, used to pluck the horses tail to get the hairs he needed for the bow. some of them are in the box still.
last night i checked out this violin and it has the name stainer stamped on the back upperside just below the neck. Inside it reads: jacobus stainer in absam
prope oenipontum 1628 (the 28 is written different)
sure would be nice if it`s the real thing!!!! please email me @ pzcat1918@aol.com. love to find out more. by the way my mom`s dad was 70 when she was born. thanks!!!