I am a violinist
On occasion. I was wondering around the local auction house a few years back when I was a much smaller MatJ who was looking to upgrade from a 3/4 size violin to a full size effort. I spotted one in a tatty looking case and, although it had some damage and a tatty and probably fake date stamp for 1876, persuaded my mum to buy it.

Paid? £62 inc. commission.

The stamp was genuine.

Value? About £1000.

Plays fucking nicely too. Best impulse buy ever.
( MatJ LOOK, Fri 22 May 2009, 0:40, 1 reply)

Nice!
B3tard violinists unite!
(TheWonderfulWombat It came to me in a dream., Sun 24 May 2009, 7:15, closed)