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:

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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.