Oster Joins Freeman 's as Musical Instruments Consulting Specialist

Freeman 's is pleased to welcome Frederick Oster as a consulting specialist focusing on musical instruments. In addition to offering appraisal and authenticating services, Mr. Oster will organize Freeman 's inaugural auction of fine and high-quality bowed and fretted stringed instruments to be held November 20, 2015.“Freeman 's is delighted about our partnership with Frederick Oster and the new auction he will curate with our firm. He possesses a wealth of knowledge within this category, which is a virtually untapped market with a robust demand,” said Chairman Samuel M. “Beau” Freeman.Oster is an internationally recognized authority on the violin family and American fretted instruments such as acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the appraisal, certification, dealing, and restoration of fine and historically important musical instruments, dating as far back as the 17th century. He opened his Philadelphia-based fine and vintage musical instrument business in 1974 and has provided expert assessments to insurance companies, musicians, museums, and collectors. Mr. Oster was also a consultant to a number of leading New York auction houses. He managed Christie 's New York Musical Instruments Department for several years, after which he was a consultant to Christie's New York & London for 25 years. He is currently an appraiser on the popular PBS television program Antiques Roadshow and has been on the show for 20 years.Freeman 's is now accepting consignments of violins, violas, violoncelli, basses, and guitars for the November 20 auction of musical instruments. To discuss consigning or to schedule a complimentary evaluation, please contact:Frederick Oster 215.940.9830foster@freemansaution.com Musical Instruments at Freeman'sTo be offered November 20 - A Fine Italian Violoncello by Joannes Tononi of Bologna c.1700. Estimate $150,000-250,000.