This is a really attractive violin with strong visual appeal. However, it is not as old as it pretends to be. It has been very effectively antiqued to resemble an instrument from the 17th century, but a careful examination will show that it was probably made around 1900 or maybe a little earlier. Of the 'cracks' visible on this violin, in fact only one is genuine (and correctly repaired), along with an authentic repaired wing crack on the treble F. The other 'cracks' are in fact cleverly executed scratches that don't penetrate beyond the surface. Furthermore, it has a real neck graft intended to convince that this is an old instrument. However, neck grafts were routinely performed in some workshops as training for apprentices (in which heads were removed from necks and interchanged) to complete the illusion of age.

What makes this violin really interesting is that, apart from its generic fake Amati label (also cleverly antiqued and dated 1675), it has a genuine workshop label of the important Italian maker, Vincenzo Postiglione (Naples) stating that the violin had been revised by him. This would imply that the violin was at some stage in Italy and taken seriously enough to have passed through the hands of such an important maker (see photo).

Despite its labelling this violin manifestly has nothing to do with Amati .The purfling material would imply German trade roots and there was at least one twentieth century German workshop which specialised in meticulously antiqued instruments, but this violin remains of unknown origin.

This violin carefully follows the Amati pattern, notably in the corners and overall outline. The one-piece maple back is slab-cut and the ribs and neck and scroll appear to be of the same material. There's an absence of bushings in the pegbox which confirms the more recent dating of this violin. The top is of really nice tone spruce with very even medium grain throughout. The varnish is original and shows considerable artificial antiquing. The current bridge is by the late Dale Walton.

This instrument is visually appealing and very nicely toned. It should serve the needs of an advanced or professional musician, as it responds well to all demands made on it.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.2 cm

Condition :
	It can be said that this instrument is in very good condition and structurally sound. It has only one body crack and a wing crack, which have both been repaired correctly and are structurally secure. All antiquing in this violin is only superficial.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request