Old Cello: Antonius et Hieronimus Amati Label

Your Question:

Front of Cello

I have an old Cello with label "Antonius et Hieronimus Fr. Amati Cremona Andre M. F. 1697". This cello is at least 200 years. The label is not original and it seems to have been replaced multiple times. This cello has dark reddish brown varnish with narrow maple figure and medium ample flame in a twice piece back with matching sides.

Measurements:
Body length: 747mm
Width upper bout: 338mm
Width middle bout: 229mm
Width lower bout: 427mm
Rib height: 112mm, 112.5mm

I would like to know the maker of this cello and its fair market value.


My answer:

Scroll

Unfortunately, there are not enough details in the photos for me to give an accurate assessment.  The varnish looks a bit odd to me.  Has it had a shiny clear coat applied over the original varnish?  The appraisal mentions that there is a neck graft, which does indeed, help date the instrument, and around 200 years old seems plausible. 

Regarding fair market value, condition, maker (authenticity) and provenance are everything when it comes to the value of an instrument.  In many appraisal situations the local market is taken into account.  That's not always true for stringed instruments because they can go to one of the big auction houses, which opens up a worldwide market.  Judging by the photos I would say that fair market value could be $8,000 - $10,000.  This is just an educated guess and in your market you might be able to sell it for more or less.  If the varnish has been altered this can also affect the value and drive the price down.  Please keep in mind an object is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  In addition, I am assuming there have been numerous repairs (because of the age of the cello) done to this instrument, which are not evident in the photos.  Certain repairs (especially in the soundpost area, both top and back) can affect the value significantly.  In many cases the work of known makers is recognizable but this depends on the experience of the appraiser.  From the photos provided I am unable to venture a guess.

I would encourage you to take it to a violin dealer that you trust so that they can examine the instrument and give you an opinion.

Lorenzo/Tomaso Carcassi Violin?

Your Question:

Carcassi Scroll

Subject: bought this violin on e bay for 3000k is it really carcassi

I bought this instrument on e bay from a german dealer. It is labelled Carcassi, though I of course assume firstly it is not that at all. The label looks almost brand new. When I got it it had a great old italian sound (I know italian since I own a Giusseppe Gagliano.) I play in the Chicago Symphony and needed a cheap ravinia instrument. because the violin sounds so good I am willing to keep it. The link to pictures of the violin are here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item@0222552468&ssPageNameSTRK:MEWNX:IT

Even if it is an old italian instrument it looks as if the violin has had a thick new coat of lacquer put on over a brown thick varnish. It looks terrible and scandalous that whoever did this to the violin but surprisingly the violin has a great sound and I would think just from the sound it would be an authentic Carcassi. I even like the sound over my Gagliano. Anyways, it would be nice to hear your opinion.

Regards,
CSO
first violinist

My Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry.  The eBay link has been disabled so, I am unable to view the instrument.  I should mention that there is a dealer from Germany who sells lots of instruments on eBay, which are known to be fakes.  I have no idea if this is that dealer or not.  From personal experience I have found purchasing instruments or bows on eBay can be very risky.  

There are several violin experts in Chicago.  I would suggest taking it in for an opinion.  Here are a couple of recommendations, although you may have a violin dealer that you have a relationship with.

1.  Jim Warren at Kenneth Warren and Son 312- 427-7475 or

2. John Becker at Bein & Fushi 312-663-0150

Both shops are within walking distance of Orchestra Hall, Chicago.

If the violin is truly a Lorenzo or Tomaso Carcassi it is worth quite a bit of money.  Based on the opinion of an expert it would be worth it to have an appraisal and a certificate done.  Generally appraisals and certificates are based on the value of the instrument and will cost quite a bit but would be worth doing because they will document the value and authenticity of the instrument.  If the violin has had an outer coat of lacquer the value can be greatly effected.  A good luthier should be able to let you know if this can safely be removed, whilst preserving the original varnish.

  Please keep in mind that sound is subjective and an appraiser typically bases the value of an instrument on authenticity, provenance and condition.  I hope that you find out this is a real Carcassi!  If so, then you have made quite a purchase.  In my opinion, if it is a genuine Carcassi, you might want to look for a lesser instrument for outdoor use at Ravinia.  Please let me know what you find out.  Best wishes!