Hammer Stradivarius
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The "Hammer" is a violin made by Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari of Cremona. The back measures 14 inches long and displays the label "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis/Faciebat Anno 1707" on the inside. Dating from 1707, it was made during Stradivari's 'golden' period.
It is named for Christian Hammer, a 19th century Swedish collector who is recorded as its first owner. It made its way to the United States in 1911 with a violinist and teacher and passed to various owners. In 1992, it was obtained by a Japanese oil company in an estate sale. They subsequently lent it to world class violinist Kyoko Takezawa; she performed with it for the next 12 years.
On May 16, 2006, it made news when it was auctioned by Christie's. The pre-auction estimated value was $1,500,000 - $2,500,000 USD. It sold for a record-breaking $3,544,000 USD; the highest price paid for a musical instrument in a public sale. The owner is currently anonymous.
