Question about corner blocks

Is the absence of corner block ever an indication of a cheap violin? I've
heard that sometimes the early makers would make violins with no upper
corner blocks or even with no corner blocks at all. I have a very old violin
that is beautifully carved with choice maple, a fine grained spruce top that
has been graduated, stakes in the back, evidence of professional repairs,
etc. and yet there are no upper corner blocks. Could someone illuminate me
on this subject.

TIA -Saul


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