Stamped Stainer - 4/4 - - Violin - 1980

Introduction
This full-size violin bears the brand “STAINER” stamped on the back below the neck button, identifying it as a German workshop instrument made after the model of Jacob Stainer, the celebrated 17th-century Tyrolean violin maker. The instrument was produced in Germany, most likely in the Markneukirchen or Mittenwald region, during the late 19th or early 20th century. It is presented in playing condition with a vintage case, and shows honest wear consistent with decades of active musical use.

Historical and Artistic Context

Jacob Stainer (c. 1617–1683) was among the most celebrated violin makers of the Baroque era. His high-arched instruments, with their sweet, silvery tone, were considered the finest in Europe until the late 18th century, when the Stradivari and Guarneri models rose to prominence. By the 19th century, workshops across Saxony and Bavaria — particularly in Markneukirchen, Klingenthal, and Mittenwald — produced large numbers of violins bearing the Stainer brand or label. These instruments served the growing demand from amateur musicians, students, and orchestras, and remain widely collected today as representative examples of the German workshop tradition.

Craftsmanship and Materials

The top is crafted from spruce with visible grain lines across the plate. The two-piece maple back displays a subtle flame pattern under a warm amber-orange varnish. The “STAINER” brand is clearly stamped in capital letters below the neck button on the back. The varnish shows considerable wear throughout, particularly on the lower bout of the top where playing and handling have worn through to the bare wood, and on the back where similar wear patterns are visible. The ribs are of matching maple with corresponding wear. The scroll is carved with competent proportions and the pegbox interior is clean. Purfling is inlaid along the edges. The f-holes are cleanly cut and symmetrically placed.
Sound Character and Playability

fitted with a Despiau bridge (uncut), new strings, The ebony fingerboard provides an adequate playing surface. Four ebony pegs are fitted and functional. An ebony tailpiece and chinrest complete the setup. The instrument shows the patina and character of an actively played violin and is suitable for students, advancing players, or collectors interested in characterful German workshop instruments with honest playing wear.
Condition

Spruce top in structurally sound condition with significant varnish wear on the lower bout. Maple back and ribs showing substantial varnish wear and surface scratches consistent with extended use. Original neck and scroll in good condition. Ebony fingerboard with adequate playing surface. Case included — vintage case in used, functional condition with green velvet interior.
Please refer to the photographs for a detailed visual assessment of the instrument’s current condition. Pictures in this auction are part of the description.

Specifications

Brand: “STAINER” (stamped on back)
Origin: Germany
Period: Late 19th / early 20th century
Model: After Jacob Stainer
Size: 4/4 (full size)
Total length: 60 cm
Weight: 438 grams
Strings: New (Factory quality)

Packaging, Shipping, and Warranty
Our commitment extends beyond the auction. The instrument will be professionally packaged and shipped within 3 workdays after payment, to ensure its safe journey to your doorstep. PostNL

We understand the importance of a seamless process, and our team is dedicated to making your acquisition a worry-free experience.

Your satisfaction is important to us. This violin comes with a full warranty as per Catawiki’s terms and conditions.

Attribution
Branded Stainer, German workshop production, late 19th / early 20th century.

Notice
Pictures in this auction are part of the description.
Disclaimer: Violins described as ‘Branded’ or ‘Labelled’ offer no authenticity guarantee regarding origin. Only ‘certified’ or ‘attributed’ violins offer this. Comes with a new bridge. needs to be fitted and made to fit.


Length of the body: 36 cm
Width of the upper bout: 16 cm
Width of the middle bout: 11 cm
Width of the lower bout: 20 cm
Rib height: approximately 3 cm
String length: approximately 33 cm
Total length (including the neck and scroll): 60 cm


Packaging and Shipping:
Our commitment extends beyond the auction. The instrument will be professionally packaged and shipped within 3 workdays after payment, to ensure its safe journey to your doorstep. PostNL


Warranty:
Your satisfaction is important to us. This violin comes with a full warranty as per Catawiki’s terms and conditions.








Violins and bows described as 'certified' or 'attributed' include images of their certificates and are therefore considered to have a higher degree of documented certainty regarding maker, origin, and age than instruments described only as 'labelled' (violins) or 'stamped' (bows), for which we provide no guarantee of any kind