How can you tell if a violin is a copy or an original? I have an antique one that was bought at a pawn shop in the early `60`s for $75. There was an envelope inside that had VERY old stings in it and it was postmarked May 23, 1924. On the inside of the violin it says: Nicolaus Amatus fecit in Cremona 1636
The "36" in 1636 is in a different type of writing. It almost looks handwritten with a quill or something. Any info will be GREATLY appreciated!!!

yes, it would be! If that`s how old the dates are.......

do you think that is dates or something like a "model" or "copy" number? I just don`t want to get my hopes up to find out it is nothing!!!!

These are INVARIABLY copies. It`s like the Strad in the attic, it just doesn`t happen.

Liz

As Elizabeth says it is almost definately not an original Nicolo Amati. There are thousands of violins that bear similar labels to yours that indicate that they are copies of the Cremona violin makers of the late 16th/ 17th centurius(most especially Amati, Stradivarius and Guarnerius). They were made mainly in the late 19th century and yours could be German/ Czech in origin (although this is just a guess).

If you do a serch on the internet for "violin makers of Cremona" (or something similar) you should find plenty of info on similar subjects.

You should probably take it to someone to have it valued.

If you`re by any chance in the midlands area of the UK you could go and see Rod Willmott in Worcester - his contact details can be found at http://rodwillmott.com and he`s luthier - the website shows him also to be a left handed classical guitarist, I just haven`t finished designing the luthier site yet

He has many many years of experience in restoring, repairing and valuing stringed instruments.

regards

Ben

Thanks for all of your replies so far.....I really appreciate the feedback! I am hoping for that "needle in a haystack" streak of luck!! LOL