1. Company and acceptance
Rukin Fine Violins and Bows LLC is a limited liability company organised in Delaware, USA. By submitting a request, checking an acceptance box or paying for a service, you confirm that you have read and accepted the version of these terms presented at that time.
2. Online Identification
The €45 Online Identification service provides a preliminary, non-binding opinion based solely on the photographs and information supplied. It is not a certificate of authenticity, definitive attribution, market valuation, condition report or substitute for physical examination.
3. Dendrochronology
The €65 Dendrochronology Test measures and compares visible annual growth-ring patterns in spruce. Reliability depends on image quality, the wood, the measurable sequence and available reference data. A result may be approximate or inconclusive and does not by itself establish the precise construction date, maker, origin, authenticity or attribution of an instrument.
An unexpected result, including a date inconsistent with a label or proposed attribution, remains a valid analytical outcome when supported by the available evidence.
4. Client responsibilities
You must provide accurate contact and background information, submit only files you are entitled to share and follow the photography instructions. Do not dismantle an instrument or remove fittings without a qualified violin maker or restorer. We may request replacement photographs or decline material that is unsafe, unlawful, incomplete or unsuitable for analysis.
5. Payment and delivery
Payment is processed by the payment provider shown at checkout. Include the submission reference where possible. Work begins after payment is matched to the submission. Any estimated response time is an estimate, not a guaranteed deadline, and may be extended if additional photographs or information are required.
6. Refunds
Refund eligibility is governed by our Refund Policy, which forms part of these terms.
7. Intellectual property and permitted use
The website text, design and original materials may not be reproduced commercially without written permission. Reports are supplied for the client’s personal or professional reference. They may be shared in full, but must not be altered, selectively quoted in a misleading way or presented as a certificate when they are not one.
8. Limitation and mandatory rights
Opinions are prepared with reasonable professional care from the material available. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Rukin Fine Violins and Bows LLC is not responsible for indirect or consequential loss arising from reliance on a preliminary online opinion. Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limits mandatory consumer rights.
9. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, without prejudice to mandatory consumer protections that may apply in the client’s country of residence. Disputes will be submitted to a competent court unless the parties agree to another lawful method of resolution.
10. Contact and changes
Questions may be sent to aleksandr.rukin@icloud.com. We may update these terms prospectively. The version accepted with a paid submission remains recorded with that submission.