Evaluating your instrument doesn’t have to cost you a fortune! In fact, we offer our verbal assessments free of charge -- just call ahead so we can take care of you right away when you come in. If you need a written appraisal for your insurance company, or you need to file a claim, we can help you. And we keep a permanent archive of all our files -- more than 45,000 so far!

Drawing on over 50 years of combined experience in the violin business, Mr. Potter and his colleagues can offer you an evaluation for any level of instrument. With 45,000 of our instrument appraisals listed with the insurance industry, The Potter Violin Company provides the opportunity to properly evaluate and document your valuable instruments. Verbal appraisals are always free. Written appraisals include free permanent recordation and, when needed, free written repair estimates and correspondence with insurance companies to facilitate fast, equitable settlement of claims.

All appraisals are done by appointment. Please call the store to schedule. If possible, try to schedule your appointment for a weekday (Tuesday through Friday), as Saturdays can get very busy.

Insurance Evaluations

While The Potter Violin Company does not offer instrument insurance outside of our rental program at this time, we encourage all of our customers to acquire an insurance policy on any instrument or bow in their possession. For customers who are not considered professionals, their ordinary homeowner's or renter's insurance policies should suffice, provided that you have notified your insurance carrier about your instrument. For a small increase in premium, most insurance carriers will "all-risk" coverage with little or no deductible. 

Any instrument or bow purchased from the Potter Violin Company is automatically issued an insurance appraisal, but it is up to you to obtain your own insurance. We can assist you in filing your claims with your insurance carrier. If your instrument or bow has been appraised by us, we will provide, free of charge, as part of our service, documentation of damages and estimated repair costs as well as any depreciation that may have occurred. 

For teachers and professionals, homeowner's policies will usually refuse to cover your valuable instruments, so you should expect to purchase separate coverage that is specially-designed for your particular needs and risks. These insurance policies are often available at a discount through your employer or other professional associations, such as ASTA.

Certificate of Identification

Handwritten certificate with measurements and photos, accompanied by Potter’s insurance evaluation. We will maintain a permanent archival record of your instrument.

Certificate of Authenticity

A timeless document guaranteeing the authenticity and provenance of your valuable instrument. Always based on the firm opinions of the most respected dealers in the industry; this handwritten certificate includes a detailed description of condition, wood grain & figure, color and quality of varnish and detailed notes on past repair work as well as unusual identifying characteristics.