I was wondering if anyone knows much Latin. I have a French violin (around 1890) with some Latin written inside the violin (on a label of course). I do Latin at school but not enough to really know much of the text. Can anyone offer any translation of any of it? Thanks.

"Dominicus Montagnana Sub Si gnum Cremonae Venetiis 1747"

I know the violin isn`t as old as the 1757 date from my evaluation but could it be the date of the first type of these. I don`t know. Anyway, any Latin translators out there?

I have the same question and just wondering if you got your answer?

Not sure it actually is Latin - it seems to be some amalgamation of Italian and Latin. I think it refers to your violin as being a copy of the Venetian violin maker Dominicus Montagnana(Do a search in Google to find out more about him!). Other than that you are best off going to a professional luthier for more information.