I theorize that the patch on the back was put in by the maker. The purfling looks to be unmolested and the patch seams run under it. Also interesting are the ivory inlays on the 'beaks'. A member of another forum speculated that they might have been added to mask bad miters. What ever the reasoning behind them, I like them. More later...  

Yes indeedy! Soon after bringing it home I began my research about Jos. Geiger, Falls City, Neb. and other towns associated with his name and his violins. I came up with some puzzling results. For example, I have seen references to violins which carry the Jos. Geiger label but hail from other cities during a time frame which other evidence would indicate that he was still living in Falls City. (a Jos. Geiger violin from Canton, Ohio dating to 1902 and a reference to him and his violin making in the Falls City Gazette dated 1904) I suppose there may have been another Jos. Geiger's who made violins or maybe a dozen other Jos. Geigers.

I sent a query to the Richardson County Historical Society (Falls City is the County Seat of Richardson County) to see if they could come up with any data on his possible residency there. I have not heard from them, as yet. I have found references to 5 other Jos. Geigers which are either from Canton, Ohio or St. Joseph, Missouri but none from Falls City.

I have seen photos of a later 1908 Geiger which shares some common characteristics to my earlier fiddle. Similar varnish color, purfling very close to edges and a thin-ish fingerboard. The 1908 looks to be much more refined in execution than my 1901 which is very rustic and a little rough in comparison.

My San Diego violin expert/dealer/repairman buddy took a look at it and said, "Nice fiddle". He went on to explain why he described it as a 'fiddle' instead of a violin. He got out his 'neckometer' and demonstrated that the dimensions (distance from nut to optimum bridge placement) were a little off and told me that classical players would not go for it because of this but that folk fiddlers wouldn't care a hoot that it was a little off. All of this merely strengthened my resolve to keep it and learn how to play.

I have no intention of learning how to read music ever. I am a dyed in the wool 'by ear' guy and so this fiddle's imperfections have a deep pull on me.

All this being said, my 1901 Jos. Geiger has become an obsession. It has a wholly (Holy too!) rich dark powerful tone and it upsets me to be away from it for any length of time. Its sound is truly haunting and it resonates deep into my guts. Am I a little 'off' and over the top about this instrument? I would not argue the point. After all, it's only a fiddle one might say. But I know it's more than just a fiddle. I veiw it as a true American Classic and folk art of the highest magnitude.

When I develop a few chops and incorporate them into my amateurish homemade western songs, I will post them.

Thanks for enduring my lengthy discourse all who have made it this far.