- Violins & Bows
- Private Sale
Sell your violin, viola, or cello directly to us — with the discretion of a private client.
From Cremonese masters to fine French bows, we acquire instruments from every important maker and school — with a confidential valuation and same-day payment, entirely outside the auction room.
- 50+ Years' Combined Experience
- Expert Attribution (gemmology is irrelevant to instruments)
- Same-Day Payment
- How It Works
A confidential sale in three steps
No booking, no obligation, no public exposure — just a considered valuation from specialists who understand exactly what your piece is worth.
Photograph
Send clear photographs of your piece — the item itself, any signature or hallmark, and papers if available — by WhatsApp or our enquiry form.
Valuation
Our specialists assess the piece and return a free, no-obligation offer, typically within hours.
Payment
Accept the offer and receive same-day payment by bank transfer or cash, subject to identification.
- Understanding Value
What determines a violin's value
Fine instruments and bows are assessed differently — six factors shape almost every valuation we make.
Maker & Attribution
A certified attribution to a recognised luthier — Cremonese, French, or otherwise — is by far the largest factor in value.
Certification & Provenance
Certificates from recognised experts and a documented ownership history strengthen both value and buyer confidence.
School & Period
Italian, French, German, and English schools each have distinctive characteristics that help specialists place an instrument’s origin and period.
Condition & Originality
Original varnish and unaltered plates are highly valued. Extensive restoration or repair can reduce value.
Sound & Playability
Tonal quality and playing condition matter to working musicians, alongside an instrument's collectible value.
Bows, Assessed Separately
Fine bows by makers such as Tourte, Peccatte, and Sartory are valued independently of the instrument, by maker, wood, and condition.
- Private Valuation Appointments
Submit your instrument for a confidential valuation.
- No fees or commission on private sales
- Response within 24 hours
- Entirely confidential — never publicly listed
- Prefer to talk? Message us on WhatsApp instead
By submitting, you consent to Regent Street Antiques contacting you about this enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.
- The Index
Important violin makers
A working list of the makers, schools, and bow-makers we buy most often. If your instrument isn’t listed, ask us — our specialists cover the full breadth of fine string instruments.
Workshops & Schools
French, German & English Schools
Categories
Tourte, Peccatte, Sartory, Voirin
Gold, Tortoiseshell & Pernambuco Bows
Lamy, Bazin, Fétique, Henry
Hill & Sons, Dodd, Tubbs, Nürnberger
Knopf, Kittel
Don’t see your maker listed? Send photographs regardless — our valuers assess pieces well beyond this index. See the full catalogue.
- Recently Acquired
A glimpse of recent purchases
18th Century Italian Violin
Acquired from a private seller, London
French Cello, 19th Century
Acquired from an estate, Surrey
Silver-Mounted Bow
Acquired from a private collector
What our clients say
Home visit, fair valuation, no hidden fees, and paid the same day. Regent Street Antiques made selling my heirloom effortless.
Rick
Private client
Discreet, knowledgeable, and fair. Selling my late husband's watches was emotional, but the Paris specialist made it seamless.
Christine
Estate representative
Secure postal service, a prompt no-obligation offer, and payment within hours. Genuine expertise with real convenience.
John
Private client
- Testimonials
Discretion, expertise, immediacy
Free, Confidential Valuations
No obligation, no public exposure — assessed entirely in private.
Same-Day Offers & Payment
Accept a valuation and receive funds the same day, by bank transfer or cash.
Expert Authentication
Specialists who research maker, school, and provenance properly before every offer.
Fully Insured Collection
Home visits, hotel appointments, or insured postal packs — across the UK and Europe.
- Why Sell to Us
Auction versus private sale
- The Comparison
Selling through auction can mean a long wait and significant deductions before any proceeds reach you. Here’s how a private sale with us typically compares.
Feature
Total Received
Auction
Regent Street Antiques
✅ Up to 100%
Figures reflect typical industry averages for seller fees, buyer’s premium, and settlement timelines at traditional auction. Individual auction houses vary — we’re happy to talk through your specific comparison.
- Selling Options
Sell however you prefer
Send photographs for the fastest route, or choose one of the ways below — every option is free, confidential, and fully insured.
- Private Hotel Consultation
- Discreet meetings at select partner hotels across the UK and Europe.
- Frequently Asked
Selling your instrument, clarified
Q. How do I get a valuation for my violin or bow?
A. Send clear photographs of your piece — including any signature, hallmark, or certificate — via WhatsApp or our online enquiry form. Our specialists provide a free, no-obligation valuation, usually within hours.
Q. Do you buy instruments without a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. A certificate strengthens a valuation, but our specialists regularly research attribution on instruments without paperwork.
Q. Do you buy bows separately from instruments?
Yes. Fine bows are valued independently by maker, wood, and condition, whether or not you’re selling the instrument as well.
Q. Is the valuation confidential?
Entirely. There is no public exposure. Appointments can be arranged privately at our offices, at your home, or at a partner hotel.
- Considering Selling?
