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Obscure U.S. vintage violin value

 
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abclarker
Junior Member


Joined: 26 Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Location: NYC

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:26 pm    Post subject: Obscure U.S. vintage violin value Reply with quote

Hello,
I am curious to know if my violin warrants a good appraisal. They can be costly (for me, anyway). The maker was A.B. Clark, from Richmond, Indiana and the violin was made in 1895.
There are a few articles online about the maker, but only one referred to a value. An A.B. Clark violin was donated to Montclair State University and was appraised at $3,500. It was in excellent condition, whereas, mine is in good condition and 15 years younger.
Any tidbit of information about this violin would be greatly appreciated. Please note: I'm looking for any not a free estimate of value.
Thank you
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A guitarist who happens to own a vintage violin. This does not deter from the love of violin. I am an avid fan of the beautiful instrument.
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Mat Roop
Senior Member


Joined: 24 Mar 2007
Posts: 911
Location: Wyoming Ontario

PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

abc... A verbal preliminary opinion from a reputable shop should not cost. That opinion should form your decision as to whether a written apparaisal is warranted. Only when they start to put pen to paper does the meter start to tick.
Estimates on value without actually seeing and holding an instrument are pretty much worthless.
Good luck!... Mat
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abclarker
Junior Member


Joined: 26 Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Location: NYC

PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:45 pm    Post subject: Re: Mat Roop Reply with quote

Mat, thank you! Your reply prompted me to check out the sites of luthiers and they do, indeed, offer appraisals. Appraisal certificates, needed for collectors, insurance, dealers etc. are the costly ones. This is my first experience looking into appraisals and you have cleared up my confusion on a rudimentary element in the process. Thank you again, Richard
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A guitarist who happens to own a vintage violin. This does not deter from the love of violin. I am an avid fan of the beautiful instrument.
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Jack H.
Super Member


Joined: 24 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
Location: Israel

PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not true Mat. Most shops will also take a fee for a verbal appraisal, depending on the instrument of course. AB, the only reasons you might need a written appraisal is for insurance purposes and those are generally inflated by 20%, or for resale proof of value.
Is your nice violin insured?
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abclarker
Junior Member


Joined: 26 Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Location: NYC

PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jack, thanks for posting. You are correct about the charges requested for verbal appraisals. Reputable luthiers in NYC have varying fees for all appraisals. Repair estimates are also all over the map from one shop to the next. Deciding on a luthier has become more a matter of trust than one of only cost. I have learned so much over the past few months, and appreciate all forum replies.
Since my first post on this page, my violin repairs have been estimated to be only $150-$250, depending on the shop. that includes minor gluing, a new bridge, a tail gut, a nut and strings. The consensus is that the violin is in very good shape for it's vintage.
Verbal appraisals range from $5,000-$8,000 retail. Christie's has estimated it might fetch $3,000-$4,000 at auction and has suggested I show the violin in their "Fine Instruments Auction" in October.
Thanks again for the post. Richard
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