Dolls

German Antique

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Ottawa County remembers war dead with parade, ceremony

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Participants march and ride in the Port Clinton Memorial Day parade on Monday. A ceremony honoring veterans was held Monday at Veterans Park after the parade. / cindy Van Cleve/News Herald correspondent
Can you help me translate German?

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I recently purchased an old German pitcher in an antique shop and need help translating the inscription on it

"Reiner Wein und Gutes Bier Sind Des Mirtes fchönfte Zier"

The lettering is hard to read so I believe those are the correct letters

I got the first part as "Pour wine and good beer.."

I need help with the second half

Thanks!

Raw Wine and Beer Are Good In Mirtes fchönfte Ornamental

RARE ANTIQUE GERMAN BIRDCAGE DOLLHOUSE FOUND IN MORRISTOWN

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Antique Violins: Who And When?

The aesthetic beauty of an antique violin is something that can be enjoyed by both musicians and collectors alike. Some violins can be hundreds of years old and sometimes sell for millions of dollars. These instruments are of great value because of their historical significance. There a numerous varieties of antique violins, many made by such consumate craftsmen as Amati, Stradivari, Vuillaume, Amati, Bergonzi, Guarneri, Gasparo da Salò, Stainer. There is also a wide variety of antique violins available, some of them one-of-a-kind treasures.

It was in Italy in the late 16th century that the first violins made their debut. Perhaps among the most famous of antique violins are those made by Stradivarius. His instruments are known by the Latin form of his name, or as "Strads" for short. In fact this is slightly inaccurate because it suggests there was only one Stradivarius. In fact, Stradivarius violins were actually built by the 17th century Italian luthier Stradivari family, especially by Antonio Stradivari. Some Stradivarius violins are even now being played by top performers around the world.

Many have argued that Stradivarius is the pinnacle of violins. A Stradivarius made in the 1680s, or during Stradivari's Brescian period from 1690-1700, could be worth several hundred thousand dollars or more on auction, at today's prices and some reproductions as with the Antonius Stradivarius cremonensis made in Czechoslovakia and Germany in the early and mid 1700s by a different maker are said to be worth between 2000 to 3000 dollars. It is estimated that only 700 authentic Stradivarius violins exist, and for this reason they are a sought after investment. Since there are many fake ones out there, the Stradivarius violins are authenticated. Indeed truly authentic Strads will be inscribed with the words made in Cremona by Antonius Stradivari and dated. This inscription is written in Latin

Many European Violin makers began making replicas of early violins in the mid 19-th century. These replicas were not made to confuse or trick collectors, but to appeal to students and other people who appreciated the designs of these instruments but did not have the money to purchase originals. Many contemporary violin companies continue to make these replicas in the hope of perpetuating classic violin designs.This strategy makes sense when people realize that the basic design of the violin has been relatively unchanged since the 18th century as such antique violins have also provided models for current Violin makers to follow.

Cremona was to be the scene for another renowned family of violin craftsmen. The Amati's were prolific from about 1549-1740. Andrea Amati was one of the earliest violin makers who created the Amati family legacy. Nicolo Amati is famous for improving the Amati violin by producing instruments capable of yielding greater power of tone.Subsequent improvements in the tonal quality and power can be attributed to Nicolo Amati. Indeed, historical records indicate that the now famous Antonio Stradivari was apprenticed to Nicolo from the age of 11 onwards. Sadly, Amati violins are not nearly as numerous as Strads. The few in existence are mostly housed within museums around the world.

So it is that, antique violins are like priceless heirlooms that not only hold their value, but increase in value over time. A large part of their mystique lies in their stories and the aesthetic beauty inherent in their craftsmanship and sound. When holding an antique violin one is drawn to rich tapestry of history surrounding it. How many players has it seen? Who listened and under what circumstances? All these questions make up the mystique of the antique violin.

Italian, French and German antique violins for sale. Easily compare prices. International shipping. Get Your questions answered on the Antique Violin

About the Author

Dexter is an enthusiastic violinist and is interested in the beauty of the antique violin.