Another Strad?

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 94, 15 January 1935, Page 11

Another Strad?

Sir, —I was interested to read your article “Violin Romance” in Saturday's "Dominion.” In wishing Mr. Gething all the best of luck in the high hopes he entertains I would just remind him that he is not the only one who possesses a violin of such unknown quality. I also have in my possession an instrument signed “Antoniue Stradivarius, Cremonentis, Faciebat Anno 17” (60 apparent), with cross over A.S. in a double-fine circle, the 17 in the date being of modern print and the 60 being in very faded lead pencil. I have played this instrument, which is undoubtedly of very fine tone, but about its commercial value I have gleaned little satisfaction. Some years ago I endeavoured to ascertain through American and British catalogues some idea of the value of.it, but could find no mention of this particular make. If I remember riffhtly the lettering of the genuine “Strad” did not conform with that appearing inside the instruments we have. 1 would also mention I had an acquaintance who also possessed one of these models, which makes a third one, unless perchance it is the one that has fallen into the hands of Mr. Gething. However, as to value this friend could inform me of nothing more than I knew myself. It would be of interest to myself as well as to Mr. Gething, lam sure, if some authority, could quell our fevered hopes by tendering any information in reference to the origin of these violins.—l am. ete., VIOLIN “O.” Roseneath.. [As “Kickshaws” pointed out in his column yesterday morning, Stradivarius made some 3000 violins, and there are 150,000 now known which bear "Strad” labels. The chances of a violin thus labelled being genuine are therefore somewhat remote.]