Scan 286
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
14 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 258. See the scan on archive.org.
1probably Nicolò, who at this date had reached his maturity as a craftsman.
3Now, the ducat was a Venetian gold coin of the value of eight shillings; and, on the assumption of its purchasing power being three times that of to-day, we find that the price for a new Cremona violin, as quoted by Fra Micanzio, was equivalent to £14 8s., whilst a Brescian instrument could be had for £4 16s. It is instructive to remember in this latter connection that Maggini had been dead but six years.
5Our next record is that cited by Forster and Sandys, obtained from the Warrant-books of the time of King Charles II., preserved at the Record Office. The warrant is dated October 24th, 1662:—
7"To John Bannister,* one of his Maj'ies Musicians in Ordinary, for two Cremona Violins by him bought and delivered for his Maj'ies Service £42."
9The purchasing power of the above sum to-day would be approximately double; the violins, therefore, cost not less than than £40 apiece. Once more our curiosity to learn who was the actual maker is baffled, though, as in the previous instances, he was doubtless one of the Amatis.
11Our last record bearing upon the prices paid for early violins is furnished by Vitali's petition, presented to the Duke of Modena in 1685 (see Chap. IX., p. 220). Vitali therein says that he had paid for the violin, on the assumption of it being a genuine Nicolò Amati, the sum of twelve pistoles. The pistole, or double ducat, was a Spanish gold coin of the approximate value of sixteen shillings, and its equivalent purchasing power to-day is £2 8s. The price paid would thus be equal to £28 16s. The value
13* John Bannister, violinist, born 1630, died 1679.
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