Those with a good memory may remember that I asked for advice in what I might buy for £1500 from the Bromptons auction today. Most responses cautioned me against the dangers of auctions and suggested that a shop might be the best place that a person with £1500 might spend their cash.
Well I went to the viewing on Sunday and with some expert advice managed to pick a shortlist of decent violins. I won the bid on my preferred option and am ( to say the least ) very happy with it. Following this experience, I would say that getting a good violin from an auction is definitely not for amateurs. There were many pitfalls that I could have fallen into.
On the other hand, with good advice one can acquire something that would otherwise be out of reach in a fine violin shop.