DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an old violin that I’ve had for 30 to 40 years or longer. It has the Strad inscription with a cross within a circle within a circle and dated in the 1700s. Is there anyone in Maine who can authenticate violins and possibly place a value on it? It has a very nice tone. I have been playing for 70 years and the more I play on it, the better it sounds. I can travel to have it checked out. Thank you. — Jim, Dixfield.

ANSWER: According to a report from Reuters, one Antonio Stradivari instrument sold at auction in 2011 for nearly $16 million. But sadly, only some 650 true Stradivarius violins exist and each is more or less accounted for.

According to the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, they receive numerous emails and telephone calls every month from people who have inherited or purchased a “Stradivarius” violin. 

This is because, well before the turn of the 20th century, manufacturers of violins, often nestled in the valleys of Germany, were producing tens of thousands of violins annually, labeled “Antonius Stradiuarius, Cremonenfis Faciebat Anno 17.”

Manufacturers mass-produced these violins until 1957, and labeled them exactly as the master did. After that date, for legal reasons, the words “Copy of” were often included on the labels. They were also made worldwide in such places as Bulgaria, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Japan, England and elsewhere. Millions of these instruments exist today.

But even if your lovely instrument is not a true Stradivarius worth millions of dollars, it is still an antique and worth getting appraised.

The only person in Maine who explicitly states that he does instrument appraisals is Jonathan Cooper Violin Maker, at 1 Forest Ave. in Portland. He does appraisals by appointment and can be reached by calling 207-671-6069.

If anyone else in Maine is able to appraise violins, please write to Sun Spots.

The next-closest appraisers are in Boston:

Reuning & Son Violins, 419 Boylston St., 617-262-1300 or email info@reuning.com.

Wiessmeyer Violins, 295 Huntington Ave., 617-262-2688 or email inquiries@bostonfiddle.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS) is looking for volunteer advocates to respond to its 24-hour helpline and make a difference in the lives of people affected by sexual violence.

Volunteer advocates receive extensive training and support to prepare them to effectively respond to callers.

Volunteer advocates are notified of calls through their cellphones from the answering service, allowing them to be on call from their homes or another location where they have a private space to talk.

Volunteer advocates must be over the age of 18, empathetic and dependable, with access to reliable transportation. All potential volunteers must complete the training and a screening process which includes criminal and DHHS background checks. No prior experience is necessary. Call Kayce at 207-784-5272, or visit sapars.org to learn more.

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