Turns out the prior owner of my "new" violin is a young Canadian who is making his way as a professional. He apparently bought the instrument from a well-known dealer in Philadelphia while he was attending conservatory there. There's even a clip on the internet of him playing.
I know, this is a little obsessive...but it's kind of fun to know at least a small piece in this violin's long history.
Here's one of the "official" pictures of the instrument:
