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.
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 proportionsSuitable for established outline comparison. The three-instrument validation achieved a 3.348× repeat/different separation margin.
Corners, edgework and purflingCoarse geometry may support a conclusion; fine corner morphology is withheld because repeatability failed.
F-holesPosition, inclination, stems, eyes and wings are recorded for review. This channel is not yet allowed to determine attribution.
Scroll and pegboxFront and side morphology recorded. Comparison status: research channel.
Arching, wood and varnishVisible profile, colour, transparency, flame, wear and apparent antiquing can be described; varnish chemistry cannot be established from photographs.
MeasuredProvisionalWeak evidence withheld
Reference comparison coverage
0Usable authenticated McIntosh image records
1Contextual Scottish geometry record
Source gate: attribution withheldTarisio records James McIntosh (1801–1873), but its public maker page currently supplies no instrument photographs. That record therefore cannot support a visual maker comparison.
Context only—not attribution evidenceAn Ian Greig Violins gallery entry for an unknown Aberdeen maker, circa 1800, publishes 358 / 168 / 115 / 208 mm body measurements. Because the maker is unknown and there is only one record, it may test geometric compatibility but cannot establish Scottish origin.
Reference policy: maker or school results unlock only after multiple securely attributed instruments provide comparable photographs, dimensions and source documentation. Similar dimensions alone never prove origin.
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.
Blind classification status
WithheldCountry or school
WithheldApproximate date
UndeterminedIndividual / workshop / trade
Not calculatedCalibrated confidence
Candidate maker or workshop shortlistNot issued: authenticated English and Scottish photographic reference coverage is not yet sufficient.
Supporting featuresMeasured 350 / 165.2 / 110.7 / 202.4 mm geometry is ready for comparison. The photographs retain the other visual evidence channels once authenticated references are loaded.
Conflicting featuresNo conflicting image channels are scored yet because the minimum authenticated reference coverage has not been reached. Documentary claims remain separate below.
The label, certificate and owner’s suggested maker have not influenced this image-first assessment.
Documentary evidence
Not yet combinedAdd labels, certificates, expert opinions and provenance only after the independent assessment.
Indicative valuation
£4,000–£6,000Brompton’s estimate · 10 Feb 2024
£3,800Documented auction reserve
£2,500Voigts purchase · early 1990s
UnsoldRecorded auction outcome
These are documentary facts, not an app-generated valuation. Brompton’s recorded “James McIntosh”, a £4,000–£6,000 estimate and £3,800 reserve on its signed contract dated 10 February 2024. The instrument was unsold. A present-day valuation remains to be established from dated comparable sales and specialist examination.
Recommended action
Specialist British-school opinion recommendedAsk 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.
