How can you determine how old a violin case is?

Question:

How can you determine how old a violin case is?

I recieved a violin and case via Freecycle tonight, with the intent to use them in an art project. The case seems awfully old, however, and I'm wondering if there's any suitable way to track who made it.

The stamp on the back says something like "G&B" with the words "Official" and "Improve" in a circle around the above letters. The case itself is painted black, with I THINK grape leaves hand painted on. It's really gorgeous, and I plan to fix it up if I can, to carry a newer violin in it. I just wonder if I could find the original maker to get it fixed 'properly'. :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The only thing I could think of to do would be to ask a violin maker or an experienced violinist if they can identify your case. As to the other guy's response, carbon dating only works on carbon-based, or natural things, and is only used for really old objects, so I doubt it'd work for your violin case. However, I did find this website: http://pages.akeslingerantiques.com/5055...
Hope some of this helps!