Help with Klotz 3/4 size violin - is it real?
Randy MacKenna
The former owners told me that it had been in their family for a long
time (over 100 years).
Pictures of it are here: www.woodjoiner.com
The instrument appears to be quite old; it has ebony pegs, tailpiece
and chin rest. It also has brass clamps integrated with the chin
rest, and all the wood parts are solid (not ply or laminate). The
headstock appears to be hand carved. I'm not a violinist, but am
nonetheless impressed by the selection and joinery of the wood, and
the detail.
Inside, it says "Josef Klotz in Mittenwalde anno 1795"
Can anyone give an opinion about the chance of it being authentic? In
other words, if something obvious (besides the bridge, which I had in
my shop) is evident that says "no way", I'd like to know that, too.
If there is a chance that it is authentic, can it be authenticated?
By whom? Any idea of its worth, if it were certified?
Thanks so much for your help with my (many) questions!
-Randy
J. Teske
to authenticate by virture of picture. At least it doesn't say
Stradivarius [an almost sure sign its a fake...most Strads are well
documented.] Mittenwald [current spelling] is the Detroit of violin
making and has been for centuries. There are several dynastic families
based there of which Klotz was just one. Very few violins have
laminates in them and there is little difference in the physical
makeup of the end product between a cheap fiddle and a Strad.
Dynasties such as exist in Mittenwald tended to mass produce violins.
One person would make 100 backs, another 100 necks,etc. . Sometimes
later generations of these families would label them [as a
merchandising ploy, not as fraudulent misrepresentation] with the name
of the most revered ancestor. The Roths, Hopfs and the Pfretschzners
[three major brands, even today] will label instruments Ernst Heinrich
Roth or E. R. Pfretschzner who actually were noted individual makers.
I would suggest you take the instrument to a reputable dealer/maker
who can at least give you a gross sort based on stylistic clues as to
what you might have here.
Good Luck,
Jon Teske, violinist
On 1 Oct 2002 18:39:09 -0700, randym...@yahoo.com (Randy MacKenna)
wrote:
That_Bob_Guy
Mittenwald. From mid 1700's until 1900's. Last 2 digits of year should
be hand written, not printed. None spelled Mittenwald with an E on the
end.
Spelled either Mittenwald or Mittenvvald. Could possibly be a decent
violin, but more likely dates to late 1800's or early 1900's. Need to
look inside with a fiber optic probe or possibly a mirror would do.
If bass bar is carved as an integral part of the top, or the top
corner blocks are missing, its junk. If it has all blocks and the
bass bar is glued in, take it to a dealer for appraisal.
DGoree
<<Most likely not from 1795. There were 4 Joseph Klotz generations in
Mittenwald. From mid 1700's until 1900's. Last 2 digits of year should
be hand written, not printed. None spelled Mittenwald with an E on the
end.>>
Although it is possible that it is a Joseph Klotz even though it may have a
reproduction label. That's what my violin is. Every luthier I have shown it
to has agreed that it is most likely a Joseph Klotz from the one working in the
1790's, but the label is a fake.
The only way to be reasonably sure is to take your violin to an experienced and
reputable luthier.
Mary Ellen
ignasius_asswipio
> Hi, I recently purchased a 3/4 sized violin as part of a large estate.
> The former owners told me that it had been in their family for a long
> time (over 100 years).
>
> Pictures of it are here: www.woodjoiner.com
>
With your stupid luck, you probably have one of the Klutz Brothers
knockoffs. Get a dental mirror, look into one of the f holes and if
you see the words "keine dumpkopf" written inside, that might be a
clue.
thanks for trying, fart face! you lose!