Anybody know anything about Duke fiddles?
Is that Richard Duke?
I have no idea. Bought it about 15 years ago and was told it was a copy of a Duke but someone told me since that it’s the real thing. Label is too faded to read.
Richard Duke and Duke senior, English violin makers worked in London late 18th century. As makers they are both well known to the fiddle world and in actual fact ‘copies’ of Dukes are numerous. Usually they have a stamp just below the button on the back - DUKE, LONDON. This stamp alone does not make it authentic. You would be best served taking it to a specialist appraiser to authenticate your particular violin.