9 replies to this topic

[T Ford]

Hi -

Just curious as to what you may think about my violin...my favorite of the three acoustics I own.

I don't think I have anything special, but one can never know too much about their instruments.

My research so far indicates is is a Karl Hofner factory instrument. Any comments on his violins in general? Guesses as to when it may have been made?

The label says "Copy of Joseph Guarnerius 1741 - Made in Germany" with an emblem next to it that has the letters "KH" on some diamond shaped thing balancing on a globe with "Schutzmark Trademark" underneath.

I think it has a good sound. Fairly loud, not thin anywhere in the register and with a nice resonance when played well. We bought it a long time ago for 1000 bux from a member of the Halifax symphony.

Look forward to your comments.

[jfield]

Nice looking Karl Hofner....probably late 1960s or early 1970s. Good student grade trade violin.

[lyndon]

made in germany as opposed to west germany means before 1948

[MikeC]

made in germany as opposed to west germany means before 1948

Thanks, I didn't know that. That would date mine to before 1948. I've wondered about it's origin.

I can't see those pictures though. They aren't loading for me. Just a little red X

[lyndon]

made in germany also means after 1914, before that it would just say germany or sachsen, not made in

[jfield]

made in germany as opposed to west germany means before 1948

Opps! Your absolutely correct, Lyndon. I didn't catch that in the original post...i.e. "made in Germany".

Jerry

[T Ford]

Thanks guys. Interesting that there is such a range in quality of hofner instruments. Mine does look nicer visually than any i have seen online.

[match]

made in germany also means after 1914, before that it would just say germany or sachsen, not made in

„Made in“ was used since the Merchandise Marks Act from 1862 was renewed on 23.April 1887.
After WWII the Höfner firm moved from Schönbach later Luby to the Bubenreuth area. They used "Germany" after moving.

[lyndon]

„Made in“ was used since the Merchandise Marks Act from 1862 was renewed on 23.April 1887.
After WWII the Höfner firm moved from Schönbach later Luby to the Bubenreuth area. They used "Germany" after moving.

according to whats been presented on this forum the mckinley tariff act of 1914 required everyone exporting to us to be stamped made in (country of origin) before that it was just required to be stamped (country of origin) not made in....

[match]

Lyndon, you are right it was just required to be stamped for US imports. Isn´t "made in" not a sign of origin?

But the point is "made in" doesn´t mean after 1914.

Here you´ll find labels with both printings before 1914:

orgs.usd.edu/nmm/Violins/1875-1899/Violins1875-1899.html

See NMM 4034, 3464, 4159, 1338 and 6019, 5062, 100081