1992 Violin by Master Luthier Pöpl Otto (Karl Höfner KH290), Bubenreuth Germany

Description

Full-size violin by Master Luthier Pöpl Otto made by him at Karl Höfner's custom shop ("Meisterwerkstatten") in Bubenreuth, Germany in 1992. In near-mint condition.
The label - which is hand signed by the luthier - reads (in translation from German):
This instrument was made
at the Master Workshop of Karl Höfner
by Pӧpl Otto [hand signed]
Bubenreuth 1992
Made in Western Germany
The violin's model is KH290, a relatively senior model in Höfner's line-up in 1990s. For reference, all Höfner violins with model numbers KH191 and above were hand made at their custom shop. The highest (and stratospherically expensive) model I am aware of was KH341. As one can tell from the model number, the KH290 was quite high in the model hierarchy. It would be characterized as "better concert violin" (above the "orchestra" category) and is suitable for the serious, advanced student or as a second instrument for the professional.
According to Karl Hӧfner:
The KH290 violin is "made throughout of beautifully flamed and thoroughly seasoned wood, is carefully graduated and finished and is mounted with good quality ebony trimmings... hand-varnished with spirit varnish and hand-rubbed. The tone is rich and full."
"We only use best tone-wood, choice Bavarian spruce and European maple. The seasoning of the wood over years is standard. All trim is select ebony.
Each instrument is carved from a solid block of wood and adjusted for best tone. The scroll and neck are hand-carved. The correct position of the f-holes is is very important - not only for appearance, but also for the sound quality."
The violin will be shipped with a good quality wood core case, which is in very good vintage condition.
The KH290 is a relatively rare model. However, based on my market research, in March 1995 the lower ranking KH204 was listed in Germany at ~DM2,500, which was approximately equivalent to US,800 at that time. Prices for musical instruments have more than doubled since 1995 due to the labor and materials inflation. Once, in addition, one factors in shipping costs and import duties, the calculation should provide a rough idea of the likely list price that a comparable quality instrument would command in U.S. stores today.
As another reference point, if you visit Brobst Violin Shop website and search for Karl Höfner violins (browsing by maker), you will see a good representation of prices for vintage Höfners by model. Please make sure you look for "KH" models above 200. You will see that prices for vintage Höfner violins at Brobst's range from ,500 for the KH200 to ,000 for the KH208 to ,000 for select higher models.