The violin is playable and in fairly good condition for its age. It was very old when I got it back in 1987. The tuners have been upgraded to mechanical many years ago but I have the original wooden tuning pegs. It looks like someone put a sealer on it previously. It has a newer tailpiece on it but I also have the original along with a very old octagonal bow as well as a modern one. The case is also very old. It has a new bridge as well as what appears to be original.
Dimensions
It looks to be a standard size violin
Acquired From:
Secondhand Store
Hi William, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. Violin (and viola/cello etc) labels are notoriously unreliable (see this link for a good explanation: https://stringsmagazine.com/an-insiders-guide-to-violin-labels/) but I've appraised your violin on the assumption that it is authentic as it's virtually impossible to authenticate from a photo. The word "Germany" is puzzling - perhaps it's where it was sold initially...? According to the biographical information provided by Tarisio (https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/browse-the-archive/makers/maker/?Maker_ID=809), JB Vuillaume worked in Paris and he trained some of the finest 19th Century violin and bow makers. In addition to being a dealer, connoisseur and inventory, JBV was a noted luthier whose reputation as a copyist of such noted makers Stadivari and Guarneri. He is believed to have made more than 3,000 instruments, which come to market occasionally and bring prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to $542,369; in nearly every case, original condition and provenance play a significant role so to have some replaced parts as well as the original ones does negatively impact it's value, as does its refinishing. If the second-hand store you acquired it from had any additional information on where it was acquired, that would be helpful to know and note as it could improve the value of this piece. Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is: An antique Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin mid 19th Century With old octagonal bow, modern bow and old case. Interior bears a label that reads "The violin is a full size 23.5 and 14" the label says Vuillaume a Paris / Rue Croix des petit camps 46 / Germany" Full size (23-1/2 inches long overall; 14 inches body length) CONDITION: Refinished. With later mechanical tuners (original wooden pegs retained), tailpiece (original tailpiece retained) and bridge (original bridge retained). PROVENANCE: Acquired from a second-hand store. $ 1,500-2,500* *represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary. Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto. ~ Delia
