The market for 19th-century violins and bows has been robust for some time, with no significant decline in value in recent years. One of the most consistently valuable makers is the Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, who produced exquisite instruments in the mid-19th century. At auction, Vuillaume violins have sold for prices ranging from £20,000 to over £1 million.
Italian makers such as the Guarneri, Amati and Stradivari families also continue to attract strong prices. In 2011, a Guarneri ‘del Gesu’ violin made in 1735 fetched over £1.8 million at auction, while a Stradivari violin from 1701 sold for nearly £1.5 million.
Bows
The value of 19th-century bows has closely followed that of the violins. French bow-makers in particular have seen an increase in value over the past ten years, with rare bows from makers such as Tourte, Peccatte and Vuillaume potentially selling for between £30,000 and £90,000.
20th-century violins and bows
The market for 20th-century violins and bows is less established and can sometimes be volatile, with values largely determined by current tastes. However, there is a rising trend in the value of rare 20th-century instruments. At auction, violins by the English maker William Primrose have fetched around £10,000, while the rare work of the Italian maker Leandro Bisiach can range from £35,000 to £65,000.
In contrast to the relatively high values of 20th-century Italian instruments, the values of their bows are somewhat more affordable. Many can sell for between £1,500 and £3,000, with even rare examples seldom exceeding £10,000.
Modern instruments
Modern instruments range from the mass-produced to the highly crafted, and their values are often hard to predict. Although contemporary luthiers such as Stefan Peter Greiner, Bruce Carlson and Samuel Zygmuntowicz have produced violins that have sold at auction for over £5,000, even the most expertly made modern violin has yet to reach the value of its 19th-century equivalent.
When it comes to modern bows, the range of values is even broader, with some mass-produced bows by lesser-known makers selling for as little as £100. For the most part, however, bows by contemporary makers can sell for several hundred or thousands of pounds.
Other important considerations
In addition to the age and maker, there are several other important factors that affect the value of a violin. These include the quality of its wood and craftsmanship, its rarity, its provenance and its overall condition. A certificate of authenticity from a reputable expert is also important for confirming the instrument’s value.
Overall, the market for violins and bows remains very buoyant and continues to attract high prices for the most desirable instruments.