Hey hey,

Currently trying to find out about an antique guitar I have my hands on. As its so old then there are a few letters missing from the label which I will replace with an underscore. If anyone can translate it would be well appreciated

"FRANCESCO PL_RE_ & FIGLI
Fabbrica di Strumenti Musicali
Fo____ta nel 1840"

FRANCESCO PL_RE_ & FIGLI = Francesco Pl_re & Sons
Fabbrica di Strumenti Musicali = Factory of Musical Instruments
Fo____ta nel 1840 is something in 1840

Translations -----http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Thanks very much, maybe the fo__ta could be founded?

Use the babelfish link in my previous post for translations. It's a pity you cannot decipher Francescos surname, never know it might be worth a few pennies!

founded = fondato... good guess

Tell me about it, I brought it to restore but if its an antique I will leave it as it is. Just wish I knew how to tell

Perhaps (as a last thought) you could contact an existing italian musical instrument manufacturer and ask if they could point you in the right direction to find out further info. A quick web search for "italian musical instrument manufacturer" might assist you. Good luck