On Thu, 17 Nov 1994 11:26:26 -0500, Dennis Moser <[log in to unmask]>
curioused->
 
> I was wondering how things turned out with the *alleged*
> Strad that was being discussed here a few weeks ago?
 
As the allegor, I guess that it is my duty to report.
 
I have learned more than I had ever wanted to know about violins in the
past month.  Much of it conflicting, so I'm still seeking opinions.
 
I have gotten about thirty responses.  They range from "it's gotta be a
fake because it's gotta be a fake" to "quite likely real".  Guesstimated
values range from $10 to $1000000, or five orders of magnitude.  More
research is necessary.  ;^)
 
Anyone (else) wanting photos of this purported Strad, contact me with a
snail mail address.  Ooops, the Postal Service is on a not-a-strike.  Is
half-fast fast enuf?
 
I will admit that I had not suspected that anyone would have made a violin,
and then not put put his own name on it.  The owner also has a Strad
*copy* (I've not seen it) and a "Carlo Bergonzi made by Rosh Cedcier".  I
assure you that if _I_ could make something like that, I would put _MY_
name on it.  On the outside!
 
The report that Smithsonian had opined that it was real was an error.  8-(
 
I am intrigued by the squiggles which are most noticeable on the sides and
on the back.  They seem to be more than doodles to mask the wormholes, but
I don't read the language.
 
At present, my goal is only to better define the chances of it being
authentic.  Presently, I estimate this as 1:1000, with low confidence.
Hopefully, with your assistance, I can move this to 1:10 :-(or 1:100,000)-:
 
This fiddle business is driving me batty.  I'm gonna crawl into an cave and
observe the water.
 
David P Beiter      .=-.    [log in to unmask]    .-=.
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