The record-union., 1893-06-21

could give, tears filled his eyes as he ac-
cepted the offer.
And thus Enrich became the possessor
OF the sweet-toned little instrument with
winch ne continued To delight the ears
ana senses of the music-loving people OF
sacramento for nearly quarter of a CEN
tury.
THE STRADIVARIUs VIOLIN.
The other of Ehrich's most valuable
Vlollns is large-siZed Stradivarius. This
famous maker of violins was born in
l644, and acquired even greater fame than
the Amatls. His instruments are larger
ana more powerful in tone than those of
the latter maker, and yet are capable of
as much delicacy. Enrich took trip to
Europe early in the sixties. and while
there succeeded nobody knows how in
hndlng genuine Stradivarius violin,
which he purchased. He never told his
friends how much he paid for it, possibly
because he was ashamed to admit his
weakness for prize that ordinary peo-
pie would not appreciate. While in Ham
burg he met Ole Bull, the world d-tamed
manipnlator OF the violin, and the latter
promptly offered Enrich 81 900 for it. The
little Sacramentan only laughed at him.
Bun raised his next bid to LOO, but
there Enrich told him to stop-that he
would not part with it for any sum.
THEIR MARKET VALUE.
Under the caption, 1.-THE Market for
Stradivarius Niolins-It is Away Up and
Constantly Rising" the 80. james Lion
dom Gazette of recent date says:
The mention Of a Stradivarius fiddle
has also an irresistible fascination for
musicians, professional and amateur.
Professional collectors have secured
Europe for them, and probably the
whereabouts of every Stradivarius eXtant
Is known TO the dealers. A considerable
proportion of them are to be found in
England. Antonio StradiVarius, who
was born in l644 and died in 1877, worked
quietly on Ior over sixty years of his life.
taking IL as moderate estimate that he
turned out one violin week-in those
days men worked more leisurely than
they DO IN this age OF stress and hurry
we should have a total of over 900 of
these instruments from his hands.
ONLY FEW LEFT.
"Of these how many are in existence
to-day? Opinions differ. MIR. Nachez
recently put the number at eight, Mir.
Hill, the Well-knoWn connoisseur, be-
Heves that there are no fewer than ,0GO
OF these yiolins still left. The rise in
their value has in recent times been
enormous. Twenty or thirty years ago
'Strad' in good condition might have
been acquired in the open market at
prices ranging from 830O to 5000
Now The case is altered. An instru-
ment OF the makers better period in a
tair state of preservation could not be
had probably Tor $1,000, whereas for the
finest specimens eXtanC extraordinary
prices are demanded. The largest sum
actually paid for a 'Strad' is, we believe,
T. 400. The next highest is 81, 200. which
was paid for the violin chosen from the
collection of NJ. Labitte of Paris for the
jubilee presentation last year to Dr.
Joachim by his English admirers. Bv
this gift DIR. Joachim became the happv
possessor Of three Stradivarius fiddles.
Who 50 fitted to own them as the great
est vlolln-player of the age2
Mr.. Sarasate possesses, is understood,
two instruments by the same maker,
both OF great value, while several others
OF our leading vi6linists are almost
equally blessed. There is now in the
market
ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT STRADIVARIUS,
In a most perfect state of preservation.
1t may at present be seen at Mr.. Hills, in
New Bond street. OF its authenticity
there appears to be no doubt. 1t was
bought III 1894 in Italy for 925 by an
Irish gentleman, who took it home and
then seems to have forgotten all about it.
At any rate 1t was lost sight of until 1915
when tmost OF these instruments have
their romance) 1t narrowly escaped de-
structlon by lire. 1t was discovered
among the chattels rescued from the
burning house, and subsequently, met
with all the hOnors it deserved. To its
long period of ohscurity its admirable
state of preservation-iti is without a flaw
OF any kinds, of course, due. The
sight OF 1t now, as it reposes beneath its
glass case, illuminated at night by the
electric light, must stir the heart of the
connolsseur. But it can only pass into
the possession of man of ample means
or an enthusiast OF the first order. who
would deem no sacrifice too great to be-
come its owner. The price asked for it is
x, 900.
ONE HELD AT 500 600.
The sum appears enormous, it is true.
But even larger prices have been heard of.
The Joachim Jubilee Committee were: it
is said, asked e.. 800 for 'Strad' which
they were desirous Of presenting to the
master; and, incredible as it NAV seem.
1t Is understood that a leading artist has
an instrument by the same great maker,
which he values, with the partiality, per-
haps, OF an owner and enthusiast, at
84 200. Poor old Stradivarius was hat,Dy
to get 50 each for his fiddles, and bv his
tellow-makers was looked upon as
wealthy. 1t is said that a number of his
instruments were sent, in his day. to
England for disposal, but were returned
unsold, so much as 10 not being obtain
able for a violoncello."