I am looking for as much information as possible on a violin I have
just bought. The label says E Bastien Luthier 1896, Nancy. Any
information on the violin maker and the violins he made would be
fantastic as I cannot seem to find anything!

There doesn't seem to be any information online, but if you want to
keep on researching, these links may help:
 
"A largely original work, based on research in the Mirecourt and Nancy
archives which has never been replaced. It is illustrated with
pictures of instruments, violin labels, maker?s marks, portraits"
JACQUOT, Albert. ? La lutherie lorraine et française depuis ses
origines jusqu?a nos jours, d?après les archives locales. Réimpression
de l?édition de Paris, 1912. Genève, 1985.
http://www.minkoff-editions.com/musique_musicologie/pages/i-j.htm

Friends of the museum of stringed instruments at Mirecourt
http://www.amis-musees.fr/sams/fiche.php?id=83

Museum of stringed instruments at Mirecourt
(I'm afraid the museum sounds rather discouraging to researchers who
aren't visiting in person.)
http://www.ville-mirecourt.fr/francais/lutherie/index.htm

Good luck - Leli

Thanks Leli.  I'll give it a go and see what information I can find.
Best wishes, TJK