| Musicians and collectors alike can enjoy antique | | | | unique carvings and engravings that are not found |
| violins. These violins can be hundreds of years old | | | | on many models today. |
| and can sell for thousands, if not millions of dollars. | | | | Many European Violin makers began making |
| Antique violins are artifacts of the past as well as | | | | replicas of early violins in the mid 19-th century. |
| beautifully made musical instruments. There are a | | | | These replicas were not made to confuse or trick |
| wide variety of antique violins available, some of | | | | collectors, but to appeal to students and other |
| them one-of-a-kind treasures. | | | | people who appreciated the designs of these |
| Many early violins are extremely valuable. The | | | | instruments but did not have the money to |
| original King Charles IX violin made in 1564 by | | | | purchase originals. Many contemporary violin |
| Andrea Amati is priceless. Other violins made in | | | | companies continue to make these replicas in the |
| later years of the same century can sell for | | | | hope of perpetuating classic violin designs. This |
| millions of dollars. Violins made by such world | | | | strategy makes sense when people realize that |
| renowned makers as Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, | | | | the basic design of the violin has been relatively |
| Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da | | | | unchanged since the 18th century. |
| Salò, Stainer are extremely rare and are | | | | Antique violins are valuable for several reasons. |
| of great value to collectors. | | | | They are rare artifacts, not much different from |
| These instruments are of great value because of | | | | paintings and sculptures. Antique violins also |
| their historical significance. Musicians prize these | | | | provide models for current Violin makers to |
| antique violins because they show the | | | | follow. Musicians appreciate the design and |
| craftsmanship of their makers. They are often | | | | innovation present in original violins. |
| intricately designed and feature elaborate and | | | | |