A violin case from the 19th century has sold for a record $17,220 at an auction in Boston, MA, US. Made in c.1887 by W.E. Hill & Sons in London, the case was listed with an estimate of $6,000–$8,000.
The case is one of twelve known as the ‘Apostles’. Commissioned in 1887 and produced specifically to house violins made by Antonio Stradivari, each one is decorated with music-themed marquetry of exotic woods, as well as fine paper lining and brass hardware. However, their construction was so time-consuming that their production was discontinued after a dozen had been created. Another example can be seen here.
Click on any image below to see a larger version
All images courtesy Skinner Inc
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