"Stainer" Violin Full sized 4/4 labeled 1697 Shaded dark brown

I found this instrument on E-bay from someone in Canada.  It was literally coming apart, and missing many basic parts! I removed the top in first 5 minutes, and did one major crack repair at base near the chinrest area with a full length spruce cleat and some CA glue fill on the top surface. It also needed the fingerboard to resume it's proper angle, so I glued in a thin hardwood wedge and reglued the entire fingerboard and nut. The finish was sanded down to even out the surfaces, and then retinted as most "Stainer" violins are done, with the darker mid section, and lightening towards the edges. When reglued, the body gave a nice 'tap tone' response, and when strung up for the first time. . . . a really nice, resonant sound, even with some crappy strings!  I decided to put on some "Kaplan" strings, and now the instrument is ready to sing again! With the one piece back, and aged woods, I think this little violin came back to life, for another time to make its mark! I used some of those 'planetary'geared, Knilling tuning pegs.  They sure make fine tuning a breeze!
The bridge is an odd design, but used on more period violins. The case is an early 1900s one that I had laying around, but in very acceptable condition, with great hardware, and hinges!
The bow is a "Tourte" copy, and may need a rehair job. In the original photo (hanging), that chinrest has been replaced with a more vintage "Becker" rest, that I think does it more justice for its age! Check out the video for a sound clip, and more random thoughts about this unique violin!