My guess is that this very good 'bench copy' was made around 1850, most likely a Schweitzer reproduction. The facsimile label states that it is a copy of a Stradivarius with what appears to be 1714 or 1717, as the last penned number is not terribly clear. I was able to indentify three Strads with a one piece back of slightly ascending flame (from coffee table books and photos on the net) -- the 1717 'Gariel', the 1719 Lauterbach and the 1723 Keisewetter. What I find most alluring is its backside -- the interplay of the modelling with his choice of cut produces a certain sensuousness. The table is extremely tight grained spruce with an oil varnish of honey brown with a slight orange tint.

Ab.R, the back shows locator pins into the blocks at twelve and six. The original varnish now has a soft patina with a touch of cracqeleur in small areas of the back and ribs. Ab.L, the dark line in the plate below the treble shoulder is a facked crack, part of the reproduction process.

The facsimile label is still intact and readable. I read it as 1714.

Above, the bee stings and the tail button. Below, cracqueleure.