AN OLD VIOLIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18630, 11 February 1924, Page 8

AN OLD VIOLIN.

POSSIBLE STRADIVARIUS. An unusual event in the musical world and one of great potentialities lor, the fortunate owner, from a financial point of view, is reported in Wellington, regarding the claimed discovery of a real Stradivarius. The violin is the property of Mrs. Ogilvie. When repaired by Mr. Williamson, of Wellington, he discovered what he claims to bo the maker's signature and the year, 1715, placed on a ticket within. The history of the violin can be traced for at least iSO years in the Keith family. For something like 40 years it had been on the West Coast, *and wag taken by its owner, Mrs. Ogilvie's father, to the Gabriel Cully rush. The violin was in an exceedingly bad state of disrepair. Its tone is now" both extremely rich and deep. It is altogether a most interesting instrument.

There are only two authenticated " Strads " in New Zealand the property of Archbishop Redwood, and the other in the possession of Mr. H. Hayward, of Auckland. A 'cello by this famous maker was used by M. Jean Gerardy during his recent tour. If the violin is proved to be a real Stradivarius, a fortune is in store for its owner, as they have sold at from £6000 to £10,000. Of unequalled construction they are greatly sought after by artists of thfi highest standing. The instrument will undoubtedly have to go to Europe to be identified.