How Much is a Stradivarius Worth?
Excerpt from the “Treasures In Your Attic” syndicated column by Joe Rosson and Helaine Fendelman. Rosson and Fendelman are the authors of the popular reference book Price It Yourself! The Definitive, Down-to-earth Guide to Appraising Antiques and Collectibles in your Home, at Auctions, Estate Sales, Shops, and Yard Sales. Even though no one is sure of the exact month and day, Antonio Stradivari is said to have been born in 1644. Some believe he might have learned his craft from Nicolo Amanti, but again, no one is sure and this detail is hotly contested. In any event, Stradivari set up his own shop in 1680 in the town of Cremona, Italy, as a “luthier”or maker of stringed instruments. We tend to think of Stradivari as being a maker of violins, but he also created cellos, violas, guitars, mandolins, and there is even one extant example of a small harp (he is said to have made three). His earlier instruments (made from 1680 to 1700) are thought to be inferior to his later pieces, and the s
