Here is a very good sounding fiddle from the Ernst Reinhold Schmidt Co., probably made between 1910 - 1930. The label says Schmidt Standard, Copy of Nicolaus Amati, E. Reinhold Schmidt, Saxony.
This is a well-made violin with a nicely flamed 1-piece back, excellent piece of spruce on the top, and has a floral carving on the sides and back of the pegbox/scroll. I installed new pegs, soundpost, bridge, tailpiece, chinrest and set it up with Helicore strings (now about 1 year old but they still sound good).
Condition: There are several repaired cracks on the top including one under the tailpiece, and 2 saddle cracks which are about half the length of the saddle. There is also a short repaired crack by the right lower corner. All crack were glued and cleated from the inside. The varnish is in very good condition - there is one scratch on the bass c-bout ribs.
This is a fun fiddle to play. It has a mature, smooth tone, has good volume, and is articulate. I think it would work well for any kind of fiddle music - bluegrass, celtic, old-timey, jazz.... Definitely a tough one to let go of.
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