Mittenwald Violin

Q:         When I was a young boy, my grandfather gave me a violin he said was very valuable because it was a genuine “Mittenwald.” Stamped inside the instrument it says, “Joan Carol Kloz, in Mittenwald, An. 1788.” I searched the Internet and found that Johann Carol Klotz (1709-1769) was a violin maker in Mittenwald. However, the names are spelled differently on my violin and the date doesn’t fit. What do you think? Is this a valuable violin?

A:         Millions of violins supposedly made by famous German makers are fakes made in the early 1900s. Authentic old violins are very rare. Several members of the Klotz family made violins in Mittenwald, which has been known for its violin makers since the late 17th century. The date on your violin is a problem since Joan (Johann) died in 1769. To find out if your violin is authentic, first show it to a professional violinist and ask if it appears to be a fine old violin. Then have a reputable musical instrument dealer or appraiser look at it. You will have to pay for an appraisal, but authentic old violins made by members of the Klotz family are rare and sell for thousands of dollars.