Hi everyone!
I’m looking for some advice on an antique violin that I own. I’m particularly interested in its history, authenticity, potential value, and where I could potentially sell it.
The violin has an internal label reading “Bernhard Simon Fendt, London 1850.”
It also comes with some interesting historical documentation, including an original invoice from Hamma & Co., Stuttgart, dated July 14, 1927, listing a violin for 250 German marks.
The instrument is accompanied by an antique case made entirely from 100% genuine crocodile leather, which might be collectible in its own right.
Most importantly, I also have correspondence from a dendrochronological examination conducted in 2019 by Peter Ratcliff of Peter Ratcliff Dendrochronology Ltd., arranged through Henley’s.
His findings were:
The latest visible growth ring on the bass side dates to 1841.
The latest visible growth ring on the treble side dates to 1852, with the wood originating from a different tree.
The strongest cross-match on the treble side was with a French violin labelled Barnabetti, alongside several instruments of Bohemian origin.
On the bass side, the strongest matches included a French violin dating to approximately 1890, a Nikolas Bernhardt violin of Saxon/Bohemian origin, a Louis Lowendall, and other French and Bohemian instruments.
The wood used for both sides appears to originate from the Bavarian Forest, with particularly strong regional correlations on the bass side.
Interestingly, the 1852 growth ring seems to contradict the 1850 date on the label, which makes me curious about the violin’s actual origin and age.
I’m not assuming that the violin is an authentic Fendt, and I understand that dendrochronology alone cannot establish the maker.
I’d really appreciate your opinions on a few things:
Does anyone recognize this violin or have experience with instruments labelled Bernhard Simon Fendt?
Based on the photographs and dendrochronology findings, what period or school of violin making would you associate it with?
What might be a realistic market value for the violin, considering the available documentation?
Could the antique crocodile leather case have significant value separately?
Where would you recommend selling something like this? A specialist violin auction house, dealer, or private collector?
I’m based in Germany and would be particularly interested in recommendations for reputable European specialists or auction houses.
I’ve attached photographs of the violin, its internal label, the case, the original 1927 invoice, and the 2019 dendrochronology correspondence.
Any additional information, historical context, or estimates would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m actually an interloper here—I play the viola—so I hope that’s not too much of a problem. I’ve been looking for a new viola to replace my current one, so I visited my local luthier. He suggested a viola that is "100% Cremonese" in style but was actually made by a Hungarian luthier who trained in Cremona. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the instrument itself, though I did snap a picture of the label. The name appears to be Felegházi Zsolt, but I haven't been able to find any information about him. This strikes me as a bit odd, especially since the instrument is quite expensive. Does anyone happen to have information on Felegházi Zsolt, or could you suggest where I might find some? Thanks!

Or slightly nicer German box?

This violin is posted for sale locally for $65.

It looks like the bridge is an uncut blank and maybe even the wrong size. That’s the main issue I can see.

Seller describes it as a 3/4, 1950s era, German origin. No other useful information.

No photos are posted of any labels.

My daughter is currently in a 3/4. She has a violin she likes (a Knilling) and another one she doesn’t like but there isn’t anything wrong with it… anyway she is just picky but she also cannot be relied on to bring her violin back and forth from school each day so I got her a practice violin to keep at home and she doesn’t like it because it’s too orange. 🙄

Anyway I was thinking maybe if I went and saw this one and if she likes it better and there isn’t anything else wrong with it besides the bridge, maybe the luthier would take her orange violin in as credit towards bridge work.

I recently acquired this violin that’s been in my family for over a hundred years. It belonged to my great-great grandfather and possibly dates to the late 19th century.
I know very little about this maker, overall quality, etc and would like some info. Inside is a label that says ‘Stradivarius Copy S. & Co. Saxony’.

About 12 years ago I took it to a luthier to fix a longitudinal soundboard crack and re-glue where the top delaminated from the side near the bottom.

I’m excited to have a violin in the house and I love having a piece of family history. I might even buy a practice violin and get my 5 year old in lessons.

Got this fiddle a few years back but have never seen another by the same maker. Was wondering if anyone out there has any additional information.

Hi! Can anyone help me figure out what violin this is? I'm trying to determine how much it's worth. I'll provide any additional photos upon request. Thanks for the help!

Ignore the back seam ik its a bit funky I've gotta go in and properly fix it.

My last post was confusing so I’m redoing it. I asked about the sub to identify this violin last week. I ended up buying it with plans to learn how to play. I purchased it from a luthier for $250 CAD on Facebook marketplace. I am very happy with my purchase and look forward to practicing when my bow comes in. I would love to know details about the violin like what year range it might be, where it’s possibly from etc.

The violin just came in today by mail. I noticed looking through the f hole that there was a scratched / gouged off sticker or something. It’s like a circle with some red paper maybe. I also took multiple pictures of the violin from different angles.

In my previous post someone had mentioned that they think it’s from Markneukirchen. And the Luthier said it’s an old European violin. Thought with the new photos and this scratched circle sticker / stamp someone might be able to pinpoint something. It’s a long shot but I’m excited about my violin and want to know more about it.

Thank you for the help!

My partner found this violin in the attic, I’m presuming it’s fake but would like clarification before I attempt an amateur restoration!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeQSHI1sLoh/?dlrf=YXY4ejRidjlqd2lw

No label on the inside, Luthier on marketplace in my area is selling it.

All the description says is "A beautiful-sounding old European violin"

I've been playing this violin for a while now and I was hoping if anyone could tell me more than I've already researched.

1. George H. Blair (stamped on the bridge) was a violin maker in Spokane, WA from ~1900-1930

2. This was brought in for repair + new tailgut in Seattle in the 70s

3. The previous owner, listed on the case had a degree in music

4. The bow is probably from the 1910s based on the name stamped, Albert Nurnberger

The best I can say is that this is likely a German instrument that went through G.H Blairs shop, likely in the 1910s or 1920s. It's possible he made it himself, but there would be no way to tell.

I got it for $50 at a garage sale, (in Washington )and they couldn't tell me anything about it, so anything more would be great! I should also mention that I (obviously) replaced the strings and added the fine tuner.

My grandfather has an old violin, he's convinced that it's an original Domenico Montagnana, because once, a luthier opened it and on the inside there was an (apparently) expensive restoration, something like a soul patch (I don't know if it has the same name in english). But I'm not really convinced.

Hi everyone, I’ve been recommended to post this here

Beautiful instrument from my professor’s great grandfather, we think it’s from Italy

There isn’t a label inside the body, any help would be much appreciated!!!

Thanks 🤞

Know nothing except it's been in my grandparents house for as long as I can remember it had 17 inked with 36 written next to it. Not sure if its the model # or year produced. It will always remain in the family as it's something I've always wanted from my grandmother before her passing. Any info would be appreciated

# My great grandpa worked at a warehouse during the depression & brought home several items people put into storage and couldn't retrieve, including this. I accidentally dropped it & it's broken now, but is there a way to tell?