Finding the value of a century old violin?

July 9, 2007 7:31 PM

I have an old violin that I can't find the value for anywhere. Can someone help? The label says: Williams Artist/ No. 701 1890. Thanks
posted by Monkeyzulu to media & arts (13 comments total)

Post a picture and I'll ask my boss---he might have an idea. He restores antique woodwinds on the side.
posted by TomMelee at 7:34 PM on July 9, 2007

I'd call these folks.
posted by Liosliath at 7:43 PM on July 9, 2007

take it to a dealer - having an expert cast their eyes over it is really the only way to get it assessed.
posted by altolinguistic at 4:06 AM on July 10, 2007

Send inquiry to Sotheby's or Christie's. Preferably with pictures.
posted by IndigoJones at 5:44 AM on July 10, 2007

Yes, this is definitely something to do in person. No, don't bother with an auction house until you've talked to a luthier in your town. For every century-old violin there are a hundred thirty-year-old violins with labels with an old luthier's name or date.
posted by mendel at 5:52 AM on July 10, 2007

I work at a violin shop. I will be there in about an hour.
posted by sourwookie at 7:01 AM on July 10, 2007

Sorry. Couldn't find anything.
posted by sourwookie at 9:38 AM on July 10, 2007

I will take some pictures. Thanks for the information. There is know way to check the value just with the model and year? Thanks
posted by Monkeyzulu at 10:04 AM on July 10, 2007 [1 favorite]

Sorry I meant to say: Is there no way to check the value just with the model/maker/and year? Thanks ( :
posted by Monkeyzulu at 10:07 AM on July 10, 2007

About $110.
posted by jdfan at 11:48 AM on July 10, 2007

jdfan: it appears that that was a winning bid for the case, I don't think it would say much about the violin itself...
posted by Ms. Next at 11:56 AM on July 10, 2007

Winning bid was for the case, violin, and Williams bow. No guarantee who made the violin in that auction but it's possibly a Williams.

It doesn't appear that ebay has done much for the value of antique violins.
posted by jdfan at 12:17 PM on July 10, 2007

take it into a professional just remember most places will have a fee.
posted by andyvilletom at 1:39 PM on November 2, 2007