ANSALDO POGGI da VILLA in FONTANA fece in BOLOGNA 1965 Initialed on the left A.P

A fine instrument inspired by the work of ANSALDO POGGI, labeled and faintly branded on top of the label.
16in viola

LABELED:
ANSALDO POGGI
(A.P)*signed* DA VILLA FONTANA 19(3)*signed*
Branded above the end button A.POGGI
This instrument is just attributed and sold as is with no guarantee. Looked by expert the provenance is the current owner bought it in Italy in the area of Bologna so assuming the maker had contact with Poggi at the time in the 70's and tried to gain notoriety on his name. Because it looks like an accounted viola from the time period.
Sound is balanced and rich, suitable for a conservatory player or symphony looking for a good copy of a fine instrument by an unknown maker whom obviously knew the original as style is similar. Wood and varnish is of similar quality.
Tone is even on all strings. They are quite old as the owner hasn't touched it since his father died in the 80's this violin was purchased in Italy in the mid 1970's making the date somewhat close. Markings are also somewhat close.
Newly cut Il Cannone Violin Bridge as the old one was too far gone. Needs new strings and pegs turn fine; chin-rest is good. Tailpiece screams 1970's. Could use replacing for taste sake not functionality. End button and tail gut are new. Mother of pearl inlay on the pegs which turn fine. Keeps tuning for something untouched in decades. Strings are ok. Can email a sound sample, afraid I'm not a good enough violist to make a video and embarrass myself even more, just kidding. But a better sound sample can be emailed. Than the cheap ipad videos.
For details please ask. It is worth it. Even with the older strings.

The top is of a two piece slab of finely grained maple with obvious ware bright orange huge through out with slight ware which means it was played well for a long time as there is antiquing which is not fake.,corners are all in tact but not as fine as POGGI's work but looks like it was it was aiming for.
The back is a GORGEOUS two piece slab of quarter cut maple with light natural antiquing, The purfling on the back is also in tact with fine channeling just like the front close to the edges. Again, carefully maintained and similar timbers on the sides, (with no cracks) and boldly cut scroll neck is also gorgeously flamed.
Every piece of this fine instrument indicates that it was intended to be an inspiration or a copy to fool an American tourist such as the tone is close but not such as the original an original Poggi viola would demand $350,000 in the US market.
This is a chance to own an excellent copy of one of the finest makers of the 20th century form someone whom probably studied or knew at least of his workshop or in the area at the time with all the hallmarks for a fraction of the price. A Professional (in our opinion viola) for a student level price. The wood and details speaks it all. Aged European wood of fine quality and expert craftsmanship and quality timbers. New strings and it would be indistinguishable form an actual POGGI, again (in our opinion.)
For any questions feel free to ask.