1. IntroductionThis full-size German violin carries an interior label reading Copie de Stradiuarius Cremonenfis, Anno 1721, accompanied by the characteristic A.S. medallion stamp — a widely recognised convention among Central European trade workshops of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Far from being a deceptive claim, this label situates the instrument firmly within the distinguished tradition of German craft lutherie that flourished in the workshops of Saxony and Bohemia, where skilled makers produced violins of genuine musical ambition modelled upon the great Cremonese masters. The instrument is offered as a German workshop violin of character, history, and inherent tonal potential. 2. Historical and Artistic ContextBetween approximately 1880 and 1940, the workshops of Mittenwald, Markneukirchen, and the surrounding Saxon and Bavarian regions produced hundreds of thousands of violins for the European and international market. Many of these instruments were labelled after the great Italian masters — Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati — as a form of stylistic homage rather than forgery, a practice widely understood and accepted within the trade of the era. This violin belongs squarely to that proud tradition. Its construction reflects the accomplished hand skills of the German workshop system: graduated spruce tops, figured maple backs, and oil-based varnishes applied with care over carefully arched bodies. Such instruments often surprise with their tonal warmth and responsiveness once properly set up. 3. Craftsmanship and MaterialsThe top plate is crafted from fine-grained spruce (Picea abies), displaying a straight, even grain consistent with quality workshop selection. The one-piece back and sides appear to be of maple with a modest figure, finished in a warm reddish-amber oil varnish that has developed a pleasing patina over the decades. The neck and scroll are of maple, with a well-proportioned pegbox. The fingerboard is of ebony, showing wear consistent with the instrument's age. The tailpiece and pegs are of ebony. The purfling is cleanly inlaid. All fittings reflect the standard of a mid-grade German workshop violin of the early twentieth century. 4. Tonal Character and PlayabilityWhile this instrument currently requires a professional setup before playing — including the fitting of a soundpost and the finishing of the uncut bridge — its tonal potential is clearly present. The spruce top, though aged and bearing the marks of use, retains its resonant structure. German workshop violins of this type, when properly set up with a fitted bridge, placed soundpost, and good strings, frequently produce a warm, singing tone with good projection and a characteristically dark, round lower register. This violin offers the discerning buyer an accessible point of entry into a well-built instrument with genuine musical character. 5. ConditionThe instrument is offered in played, antique condition, consistent with its estimated age of approximately one hundred years. Bridge: A new, uncut bridge blank is supplied and included with the instrument. It has not yet been fitted or adjusted and will require professional finishing and placement. Soundpost: No soundpost is currently fitted. A new, uncut soundpost is supplied for professional installation by a qualified luthier.Strings: A new factory-quality set of strings has been installed.Case: No case is included with this instrument. Condition notes: The instrument shows age-related wear throughout, including varnish abrasion and surface scratches consistent with decades of use. Two specific areas of structural note have been observed and are clearly documented in the photographs: A crack is present in the top plate in the area of the right f-hole, running along the lower wing. A crack or opening is present along the lower left side of the top, near the lower bout. Both areas are structurally visible and should be assessed and sealed by a professional luthier prior to stringing at full tension. No repairs have been carried out at the time of listing. The instrument is offered as-is and is priced accordingly.Status: Setup required. Warranty: Your satisfaction is important to us. This violin comes with a full warranty as per Catawiki’s terms and conditions. Notice: Pictures in this auction are part of the description.