Has anyone ever seen this?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Greg Maniero

I recently purchased a used bass that leaves me with some questions. I fell in love with the sound but am curious about its origins. It was appraised as a c1939 Andreas Wilfer but looking around I have found no reference to an Andreas Wilfer that is that old. I tried to email the Andreas Wilfer company in Germany but it didn't work. The person that I bought this bass from bought it in Toronto from a private seller. My question is about a CM that is carved into the neck heel. Has anyone seen anything like this. I thought that it may be from a school but haven't found anything that matches. I tried the Royal Conservatory or Music and the Canadian School for Music and Dance, contacted a bunch of Canadian lutiers, and inquired on other online sources. I thought that I would try the expertise found here. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Why are you calling the a Wilfer again? It is German but I need better pictures of the entire bass to say more. The re-finish on there is pretty bad as well. As far as looking up any old maker, what references are you using? The best book for old German names is out of print for over 50 years. 'German and Austrian V.makers' by Jalovec.