Instrument Appraisals

There are two types of appraisals: verbal and written.  At this time, we appraise instruments purchased at the Metzler Violin Shop. These appraisals are for insurance purposes only. If you require a verbal or written appraisal for your instrument, please consult the American Federation of Violin and Bowmakers website (http://www.afvbm.com) for a dealer in your area.  Is it a Strad?  Instruments with facsimile labels are very common. The practice of putting facsimile labels in violins dates back to the 17th century. The most common of these labels bear the names of Stradivarius, Amati, Guarnerius, and Stainer. In most cases, these labels were not meant to defraud, but to identify an instrument as being a copy of the maker's model. Most copies are not at all like the original. Some instruments with facsimile labels may be excellent instruments in their own right. However, many thousands of lesser grade student instruments from Germany and Czechoslovakia also have facsimile labels. Some instruments with facsimile labels may appear to be old. The appearance of age is not proof of authenticity, nor is an instrument necessarily valuable because it is old.  See also an article posted on the AFVBM website: http://www.afvbm.com/strad.htm This page from a mail order catalog (ca 1900) shows how many people obtained their bargain "Strads".