Violin appraisal

Phase 7.5 · McIntosh instrument record
Previous session restored on this device.
Before photographing

Roll — Tilt —
Automatic alignment
Photograph review

One measurement only
Back length

Measure the back once

Use a firm metric ruler. Measure in a straight line from the top edge beside the neck to the lowest edge of the back. Do not include the button and do not follow the arching.

Photographic guide showing a straight back-length measurement from the top edge beside the neck to the bottom edge, excluding the button
mm

This single value supplies the scale. The app derives the other body dimensions from the accepted square-on photograph.

Independent image-first assessment

Appraisal result

— /100 capture quality
Capture quality
Required views
Image alignment
Image clarity
Automatic body measurements
Scale reference

Bout measurements are image-derived estimates. The back length is the only manual measurement. Measurements are withheld when the outline or camera pose is unreliable.

Independent visual observations
Body outline and proportions Suitable for established outline comparison. The three-instrument validation achieved a 3.348× repeat/different separation margin.
Corners, edgework and purfling Coarse geometry may support a conclusion; fine corner morphology is withheld because repeatability failed.
F-holes Position, inclination, stems, eyes and wings are recorded for review. This channel is not yet allowed to determine attribution.
Scroll and pegbox Front and side morphology recorded. Comparison status: research channel.
Arching, wood and varnish Visible profile, colour, transparency, flame, wear and apparent antiquing can be described; varnish chemistry cannot be established from photographs.
Measured Provisional Weak evidence withheld
Instrument record
McIntosh reference violinOwner-confirmed working identity. The maker attribution itself remains subject to specialist verification.
350 mmConfirmed back length
Smaller full sizeOwner description

Historical development entry: Violin 2 — McIntosh, formerly recorded as 345 mm. The present owner-rechecked 350 mm measurement supersedes it. Violin 4 is a separate unidentified instrument.

Probable classification
British; English/Scottish question Country or school
Late 19th–early 20th century Approximate date
Workshop or individual work unresolved Individual / workshop / trade
Low–moderate Calibrated confidence
Candidate maker or workshop shortlist British violin requiring comparison with securely attributed English and Scottish examples. No maker-level identification is issued from the photographs alone.
Supporting features Compact 350 mm body; measured outline proportions; warm brown varnish; body, f-hole, corner, arching and scroll views retained for structured comparison.
Conflicting features The historic Voigt certificate associates the instrument with McIntosh/Scottish attribution, while later dealer opinions reportedly favoured English work. That documentary disagreement is not resolved by the present image model.

The label, certificate and owner’s suggested maker have not influenced this image-first assessment.

Documentary evidence
Not yet combined Add labels, certificates, expert opinions and provenance only after the independent assessment.
Indicative valuation
£1,000–£2,500 Auction range
£800–£1,800 Trade purchase
£2,500–£4,500 Retail range
Expert-dependent Confirmed-attribution value

Provisional UK ranges for testing the report format—not a valuation certificate. They reflect uncertain attribution, the reported unsuccessful 2025 auction offering, condition unknowns and the distinction between auction and dealer retail. Dated comparables and physical examination are still required.

Recommended action
Specialist British-school opinion recommended Ask the specialist to reconcile the Voigt certificate with the later English opinions, examine construction internally and physically, and provide a current insurance or sale valuation.

Documentary evidence

Added only after the image-first result

This information is stored separately so a label or owner belief cannot bias the initial visual assessment.

Save captures

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