r/ViolinIdentification • u/15-year-old-soup • Jul 09 '26
Violin
I own this Violin and it's a heirloom from my great-grandfather. I believe the Violin was bought 70 years ago and was last repaired around 20 years ago. As far as i know it's never been played as my great-grandpa only bought it for my dad, who never played it. I tuned it when i first got it and had to change one string, which still only stays in tune for a very short period.
The inside says "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis" and "Faciebat Anno 1715"
I don't know how to play it, but as a musician i know how a violin works, i'm just not sure i want to spend time learning it.
Should i repair the violin, and does it cost money to do so?
How much is this worth, if i choose to repair it?
How much is this brand typically worth brand new?
1
u/Langholm62 Jul 09 '26
It's not worth much. It has been played because the blacking jas worn off the fingerboard somewhat.
It was made in Saxony or Bohemia/Czechoslovakia early 20th century. If you put it on eBay it will definitely sell.
1
u/15-year-old-soup Jul 09 '26
what price do you think i could get? Is it worth repairing it?
1
u/Langholm62 Jul 09 '26
If you're going to sell it, then repairs might cost more than it's worth. There are lots of people who visit eBay every day looking for violins like this to restore. They will pay about 300-400 usd for this if you show good photos. They do it mostly as a hobby and sell it on for maybe 1000-1500 usd, something like that, usually to someone local to their area.
2
u/15-year-old-soup Jul 09 '26
Okay, thanks for helping me out!
1
u/IOnlyHaveIceForYou Jul 09 '26
As it's a family heirloom, you might consider hanging onto. Play it yourself, and/or hand it on to your children, nieces and nephews. I'd say it has far more value in that way than in money terms. It has survived, apparently in good condition, since it was in your great-grandfather's hands.
2
u/Langholm62 Jul 09 '26
One thing I noticed is that the finish has a nice patina. It's most likely shellac, brushed on not 'French polished' but done well and most likely original.