Vintage/Antique Violin Instrument (Can't Make Out the Name)

[valhom]

Hey guys. I have this vintage/antique violin instrument here. On the inside, I can barely see a name/maker/brand of it. I tried zooming in with my camera to show you. First word says Carlo? Can't make out middle word. Seems half of the letters are worn away. Last word looks to be Milan? Milann? Milamm? I don't know, lol. Anyone on here have any expertise on older instruments? Thank you! 

[mart]

Could it be Carlo Testore ??

[ghopper1924]

Mart got it! A brownie point for her!!

https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/browse-the-archive/makers/maker/?Maker_ID=741

I'm not saying you should expect prices like these, but it makes a bit of interesting reading.

[mart]

Pretty pricey fiddles !!    Some are a bit smaller than average violins !!   Can we see the back please ??  If its an original,, you would need to have it professionally restored to even get close to the listed values !!  That is not cheap and is not done by your local music store !!  There are specific forums for antique and vintage violins,, would be good to ask about it there !!

https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/324667-old-unmarked-mystery-violin-id-help/

This is  a good place to ask !!

[Ipcress]

I'd say it's a late 19th century version of an 18th century violin, possibly of Bohemian manufacture.
" Carlo Testore f. Milano " and there should be a date on the end.


Check the bow ends near the frog for any name.

[mart]

Some of the bows can be as pricey as the violins,, depending on the maker !!

[Rauville]

Years ago, a collector told me to always look for replaced necks on violins. If you found one with the peg box grafted on to the neck,  it most likely was a quality older instrument that had a longer neck put on in the late 1800’s, when the orchestras changed their pitch.

[KC]

Now that is an interesting bit of trivia Rauville.  The orchestras changed their pitch?  Care to elaborate?

[Rauville]

Now that is an interesting bit of trivia Rauville.  The orchestras changed their pitch?  Care to elaborate?

KC;
Here is a short history and timeline of how the pitch changed over the years. Who knew that the Treaty of Versailles even included it?
http://capionlarsen.com/history-pitch/

[Pelady]

I am also seeing "copies" of Carlo Testore Milano from   Czechoslovakia

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Violin%20Labeled%20Carlo%20Testore%20F.Milano&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

PeLady

[mart]

Around the turn of the century and after there were many copies made !!  Many of these were from the master violin makers specifications only a bit smaller for students !!   Years ago I had a Stradivari copy !!  Best to get specs and match the size,, then have someone experienced look at it !!

[valhom]

Thanks guys. I actually have it on eBay and someone offered $350. You think it's worth it? I have it at 99 cent starting bid. it has a crack on front, and missing strings, and I don't know too much about violins/fiddles. The case/holder is pretty worn, too. Thank you!

[KC]

Unless you have someone that can evaluate it in person and determine what the actual value of it with the conditions it has...go for the best price you can get.

Also....This is an item that many decorators desire just for adornment and are willing to pay that (some even up to $500 for a beautiful piece!)

[mart]

https://www.bromptons.co/reference/results/details/small-violin-by-carlo-giuseppe-testore-milano-early-20th-cent.html

Not saying yours is like this one but look at the auction estimate for this early 20th century Testore !!  Keep in mind that yours has damage and restoration is not cheap !! I think you should have it looked at professionally !!