Can someone tell me more about this 'turtle' violin label?

[Jannette]

I am looking at purchasing an old German violin which has a label inside it with a sea turtle. I believe the label indicates it is an instrument from Markneukirchen.

Are you able to tell me anything about the turtle label? In particular, which years this label was in use, so that I can work out how old the violin might be?

I have attached two photos showing the label. Anything you can tell me about it would be of help.

Thank you.

[Udo Kretzschmann]

Hi Janette,

if I remember rightly, Curt Georg Schuster used a tortoise as trade mark. He established his trade company in 1891 and worked as a dealer - I guess - until the 1930th.

I know another label from 1927 with the tortoise and C. Sch. M. above and, strange enough, the signature Berthold Schuster. May be this was a fantasy name or a son?

Best greetings

Udo