Old, possibly Colonial VIolin

Hi All-

Trying to get some info on a friends recent Violin acquisition.
Looking for a resource here that may have personal knowledge in this
area or perhaps access to a copy of "Baxter's Database of Violin & Bow
Makers"; an applicable established resource, but one I don't wish to
purchase for one Violin ID...

Nancy1...

If you have a local university or college with a music department,
check in with the string section and see if one of the professors knows
anything - the advice will be free, and many performers know of what
they speak when it comes to old instruments.

Some good instrumental music stores might, also, but you are probably
less likely to find one.

Kris Baker...

Perhaps the folks over at
rec . music . makers . bowed-strings
will be able to help you?

The instrument itself appears authentic 4/4 or 3/4 size (we're not
experts) and is in good playable shape, no major cracks or defects
apparent, and is probably not a 'concert class' instrument, though
appearing expertly made of fine material; Spruce top and possible Tiger
Maple (or some nicely grained hardwood) back. No appearances of
anything other than hand made period instrument.

Of real interest is the manufactures inscription inside, written
directly on the wood in a rather old style English characters:
(?) "B/J-ERRY B BASSETT (?Possibly BARRETT)
DEC 25 (?Possibly scriptive 'A' signifying Ano) 1745
(?Possibly MALONE) (Possibly scriptive NY)

Of some value if it is truly Mfg'd in 1745; (and no reason to not
believe so at this point) of possible *historic* interest if Mfg'd in
the Americas; as one searched the web for music blog noted the earliest surviving
Violin known to be manufactured in the Colonial Americas is 177?
something...! Malone, NY area did indeed have early enough Colonial
activity to support the hypothesis of a possibly English trained Violin
maker in the area.

Anyone with some expert input to this mater?

Tim K

Jessica V....

Sounds as though it'd be worth paying an expert to look at it. A good
violin restorer would be my suggested jumping off point. I can
recommend one in Maine, but that may not be convienient for you.