Is this a real Stradivari (Guarneri, Amati, Stainer, etc.) my Uncle Frank left me?
Probably not. Antonio Stradivari’s designs and labels, as well as those of many other famous makers, have been copied more than just about any art objects in history except possibly the Mona Lisa. Virtually all genuine Strad’s and Guarneri del Jesu’s that are known to still exist are accounted for. The odds that you are going to find a genuine old Italian masterwork in your uncle’s closet or in that old attic are slim to none. HOWEVER! Just like the millions of people who play the lottery, occasionally someone will hit the jackpot. While your odds are similar, there is always that slim possibility that your instrument is actually worth something. Even if it’s not a Strad, it could be, for example, a fine instrument made by one of many other important makers in Italy, Germany and France. An anonymous Italian instrument that is over 200 years old and a is fine work of art may still be worth several thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Note also that there were roughly 20,000 v
