StampedStainer - 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 celebrated model of Jacob Stainer, the renowned 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 — an era when Stainer-model violins were widely manufactured across Saxon and Bavarian workshops for both domestic use and international export. It is not an original Stainer, but a historically styled German workshop reproduction.

Historical and Artistic Context
Jacob Stainer (c. 1617–1683) was among the most celebrated violin makers of the Baroque era, and his instruments were considered the finest in Europe well into the 18th century. His distinctive high-arched design produced a sweet, focused tone ideal for chamber music and solo repertoire of the period. By the 19th century, workshops in Markneukirchen, Klingenthal, and Mittenwald had developed a thriving tradition of producing instruments modelled after Stainer’s patterns. These workshop violins served musicians, students, and dealers across Europe and beyond, and represent an important chapter in the history of German violin making.

Craftsmanship and Materials
The top is crafted from spruce with a fine, even grain across the entire plate, displaying consistent spacing from centre to edge. The one-piece maple back shows a subtle, narrow flame visible under a warm, red-brown varnish with good depth and lustre. The “Stainer” brand is clearly stamped below the neck button on the back. The ribs are of matching maple. The varnish is a rich red-brown tone, applied evenly and in well-preserved condition with only minor surface wear consistent with age. The scroll is neatly carved with clean chamfers and proportionate volute turns. Purfling is inlaid along the edges of the top and back. The f-holes are cleanly cut with moderate fluting, set symmetrically and consistent with the Stainer pattern.

Sound Character and Playability
Fitted with a new uncut Despiau bridge, new strings. The ebony fingerboard provides an adequate playing surface. Four ebony pegs are fitted and functional. An ebony Guarneri-style chinrest and an ebony tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners complete the setup. The instrument is ready for immediate use and suitable for students, advancing players, or collectors interested in historically styled German workshop violins.

Condition
Spruce top in good condition with no open cracks. Maple back and ribs in good condition with normal signs of age and use. Original neck and scroll in good condition. Ebony fingerboard with adequate playing surface. All fittings present and functional. Bridge fitted and soundpost in position. New strings present and in playable condition. Case included — vintage case in used, functional condition.
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: 430 grams
Strings: New (factory)

Packaging, Shipping, and Warranty
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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.



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