Antique Violin with Flamed Maple Back, Bow & Vintage Case — Early 1900s, As-Is Project Instrument

This violin has clearly lived a whole life. Recitals, barn dances, maybe a few lessons someone cried through. It's been resting a while. Now it's ready for its next act with someone who knows their way around a luthier's bench.

This is an antique full-size violin with a warm red-to-amber shaded varnish. The standout is the back: two-piece flamed maple with strong tiger-stripe figure that glows when the light hits it. It also has a hand-carved scroll, inlaid purfling, ebony-style fittings and a black chinrest. It's unlabeled, and in our best guess it's an early-1900s European trade instrument. It comes in its original vintage shaped case with a red velvet lining.

What's included:

• Violin, strung, with a bridge, tailpiece, fine tuner and chinrest
• Bow stick, which needs to be rehaired (see condition)
• Vintage shaped hard case with red plush lining and an accessory compartment
• Brass practice mute
• Vintage Montgomery Ward "Wards Supreme Quality" violin E-string packet, a fun bit of history

Condition: sold as-is, needs a luthier.

• Top: heavy honest wear to the varnish, with dings and scratches throughout. There appears to be a crack near the tailpiece.
• Back: good overall, with scattered small dings and scratches and some wear through the varnish on the lower bout.
• Scroll and pegbox: there's a crack in the pegbox cheek, and two pegs appear to be snapped off. The scroll shows wear and varnish loss.
• Playability: it has not been played or tested. It will need pegbox repair, new pegs and a professional setup before it's playable.
• Bow: the stick needs to be fully rehaired (the hair is missing), and the frog needs repair. The frog is currently tied on with string, and the eye inlay is missing.
• Case: very worn exterior with peeling covering. The latches and handle are present, and the lining is intact with light wear.

No label inside and no maker's mark found. We're not violin experts and won't pretend to be. Please check the photos carefully, and ask any questions before buying. What you see is what you get. Local pickup is welcome.

Found by us, personally. Gary offered to "give it a try." We said absolutely not. This one deserves a professional.