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Antiques Q&A: Same Old Tune

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By JAY MOORE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2008

Please tell me about the value of my antique violin, marked "Stradivarius" on a paper label inside.

M.B.

Tampa

Although it's a very pretty violin, is it a genuine Strad? Of course not.

Violins marked with the names of well-known early violinmakers were very popular from 1890 to 1920. They often were given away as premiums and were sold by large mail-order firms such as Sears Roebuck.

This instrument probably was made in Germany around the turn of the 20th century. Depending upon quality, it would retail for $50 to $200.

My antique chest of drawers once belonged to my grandparents. It's made of light and dark woods and has a large marble top. It is in good condition. What is the value?

R.E.

This Victorian Renaissance-revival chest of drawers was manufactured around 1875. It probably was part of a bedroom suite that consisted of a bed, chest of drawers and washstand, if not even more pieces.

I am sorry to say that it has more than a few problems. The huge marble or cast-resin top is a replacement; it has been heavily refinished; and the hardware is not original. The chest would retail for $100.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in .jpg format to baylife@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not compu

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