Stradivarius violins, crafted by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari, have long captivated musicians and collectors alike. However, their allure extends beyond legitimate ownership, drawing the attention of thieves despite the immense difficulty in reselling such renowned instruments. This article delves into some of the most notable thefts of these priceless violins, shedding light on their mysterious disappearances and remarkable recoveries.
One of the most well-known Stradivarius thefts in the United States involves the Totenberg-Ames Stradivari, crafted around 1734. This violin gained widespread attention due to its connection to Nina Totenberg, a prominent National Public Radio reporter. The instrument was stolen in 1980 and remained missing for 35 years. It was finally returned to Totenberg and her sisters in 2015, three years after the death of their father, Roman Totenberg, a Polish-born violinist who had purchased the Stradivarius in 1943 for $15,000. Today, the violin is valued between $5 million and $10 million and is on loan to young virtuoso Nathan Meltzer. The instrument was identified when the ex-wife of the suspected thief brought it to a reputable violin shop for appraisal (source).
In 2014, the Lipinski Stradivarius, crafted in 1715, was stolen in an armed robbery from Frank Almond, the concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The violin was recovered just a week later, highlighting the challenges thieves face in reselling such high-profile instruments. The rarity and fame of Stradivarius violins make it nearly impossible to find a buyer willing to pay millions for an instrument with dubious provenance (source).
The Davidoff-Morini Stradivarius, crafted in 1727, was stolen from the New York apartment of 91-year-old violinist Erica Morini while she lay dying in a hospital in 1995. The violin, purchased for her by her father in 1924 for $10,000, has yet to be recovered. This theft remains one of the most poignant and unresolved cases in the history of Stradivarius violins.
Numerous other Stradivarius violins have been stolen over the years, with varying outcomes. Here are some notable cases:
| Violin Name | Year Crafted | Year Stolen | Year Recovered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oistrakh | 1671 | 1996 | 1997 | Once owned by Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, returned to the Glinka Museum in Moscow |
| Andrew Bernardi | 1696 | 2010 | 2013 | Stolen from Min-Jin Kym in London |
| King Maximilian; Unico | 1790 | 1999 | Not recovered | |
| Karpilowsky | 1712 | 1953 | Not recovered | Stolen from Harry Solloway |
| Gibson; ex-Huberman | 1713 | 1936 | 1985 | Stolen twice from Bronislaw Huberman |
| Le Maurien | 1714 | 2002 | Not recovered | |
| Colossus | 1716 | 1998 | Not recovered | Stolen in Rome |
| Kochanski | 1717 | 1987 | 1991 | |
| Sinsheimer; Iselin | 1721 | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Duke of Alcantara (UCLA Strad) | 1732 | 1967 | 1995 | Either stolen or left on the roof of a car |
| Herkules/King David | 1734 | 1908 | 1925 | |
| Lamereaux | 1735 | 1962 | Not recovered | |
| General Kyd | 1684 | 2004 | Recovered | |
| Gore Booth | 1710 | 1940s | 1956 | Stolen by the Nazis, recovered from German authorities |
The theft of Stradivarius violins is often driven by their immense value, but reselling these instruments is fraught with challenges. The rarity and fame of Stradivarius violins mean that potential buyers are likely to be aware of their provenance, making it difficult for thieves to find a market. Additionally, the unique characteristics of each Stradivarius make them easily identifiable, further complicating efforts to sell them illicitly.
The thefts of Stradivarius violins are a testament to their enduring allure and immense value. While some stolen violins have been recovered, others remain lost to history. The stories of these thefts highlight the challenges faced by both thieves and those seeking to recover these priceless instruments. As long as Stradivarius violins continue to captivate the world, they will remain targets for those seeking to profit from their extraordinary worth.
For more information on the history and significance of Stradivarius violins, visit Benning Violins.
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