This profile reflects public professional-association directory records observed by Vasari through Aug 26, 2026. Verify credentials, services, and availability directly with the source association. Inclusion is not a Vasari endorsement.
About
Frederick Oster is an internationally recognized authority on fretted instruments and instruments of the violin family and has been active in selling and appraising fine and important musical instruments for over 50 years.His business, Vintage Instruments, Inc., opened in 1974, and specializes in antique and contemporary violins, violas, celli and bows, as well as restoration, certifications and appraisals. The shop is housed in the historically and architecturally important Lippincott mansion on South Broad Street in Philadelphia.In 1978 Frederick Oster became a consultant to the auction firms of Sotheby, Parke Bernet and in 1979 for the firm of Phillips, Son & Neale in New York. From 1981 until 1987 he was the New York Department Head of the Musical Instruments Department for the auction firm of Christie, Manson & Woods. Subsequently, serving as a consultant to Christie’s for over 20 years, he advised clients and evaluated instruments for inclusion in Christie's London and New York musical instrument sales. While at Christie’s he was responsible for the acquisition and sale of some of the world’s finest violins, with many reaching new auction records.Fred Oster presently consults and provides appraisals for insurance companies, auction houses, musicians, museums and collectors worldwide, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Library of Congress, the C.F. Martin Guitar Company, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He remains a regular appraiser on the PBS television production Antiques Roadshow, and has appeared on these programs for 28 seasons. Mr. Oster is also a consulting appraiser for the Travelers Insurance Co. and the Heritage Insurance Co. Musical Instruments Program.