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Appraising Your Heirloom Instrument
If you have an instrument that has been in the family for a long time but you don't know the details of its purchase, or if you have found one with a "Stradivari" or other master-maker label, you are right to want to know what the instrument is worth. Once in a while, a long-stored or "found" instrument will turn out to be better than average. But you need to be aware that, in most cases, these instruments are not of great value, despite any labels or apparent age.
Around the turn of the 20th century, many stringed-instrument factories in Europe labeled their mass-market instruments to identify the master instruments (Stradivarius, Amati, Guarnerius, etc., and year) on which the models were based. As far as we can tell, there was no (or little) intent to defraud the public; at the time it was generally understood that these were inexpensive, mass-market instruments and that the labels were simply to identify the models followed.
Now, however, the public is not generally aware of that labeling practice. Many of us watch "Antiques Roadshow" (we do!) and know that sometimes, unknown treasures are handed down in families. So when people find an heirloom instrument in a closet or attic, or find a labeled instrument at an estate sale, of course their hopes go up.
By all means, bring your hairloom instrument to us or take it to another reputable shop for a verbal appraisal. While your chances of having an important master instrument are slim, it's certainly possible that your ancestor had a good instrument that has appreciated in value. If the instrument turns out to be better than average, you may want to get another opinion and/or have an insurance appraisal done. In the unlikely event of an important instrument "find," the appraiser should suggest having the instrument certified. (We do not certify instruments; only a few top experts worldwide can do that, but we can refer you to them.)
If someone appraises your instrument as being of low value, but seems anxious to buy it from you on the spot, please go to another appraiser for a second opinion. Your instrument may be of greater value than they are telling you. We aren't aware of this occurring often, but we regret to say that we have heard of it happening.
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