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Scan 61
The Hawley Collection of violins, 1904
10 lines. Read by computer on 25 September 2026. Printed page 39. See the scan on archive.org.
1GIUSEPPE (JOSEPH) ANTONIO GUARNERI
3years since the enlightenment of Western Europe. For it was not until 1827 that that unique violin collector, Luigi Tarisio, began to astonish the Parisian dealers by the large number of rare masterpieces he brought out of the great storehouse, Italy. It is only since then that the world has supplied itself with the rich fruits of the labor of the makers of Brescia, Cremona, Venice, etc. Before that time, the possibilities of the market for their treasures were not appreciated by the Italian people, and to the mass of violinists of middle Europe, the Italian bow instruments were terra incognita. But the Italian instruments needed only to secure a hearing. Within a few years after their proper introduction, the violin shops of Paris, London, and other centers of Europe were filled with them, to the exclusion of nearly all others; and so the passion spread year after year, as the witchery of their voices became better known. To-day the Cremonese heirloom is worshiped in every corner of the world where the violin is played. The King was, therefore, the pioneer in America, at least as regards violins of its class, and with the Goding Amati, had not a little influence in the creation of that sentiment for better things which, with the increase of wealth and culture in the country, has resulted in bringing across the Atlantic thousands of Italian violins.
5While in the possession of Mr. Waters, its light was not hidden under a bushel; on the contrary, its transcendent beauties were explained to hundreds of amateurs, and it was the direct means of planting the desire for ownership of a Guarneri in many a breast. Mr. Hawley about that time became deeply interested in Cremonas, and, having the determination to form a collection of the very choicest specimens, longed to be the possessor of the King, and made repeated attempts to induce Mr. Waters, who was in no sense a dealer in violins, to let him have it. It was not until Mr. Waters gave up playing the violin that he would entertain such a proposition, but finally, on May 22, 1876, he decided to let Mr. Hawley have it at the agreed price of $3,260. This sum at that time was an unheard of figure. The sale attracted much attention in the newspapers, and the Hawley collection shortly became known throughout this country and Europe. The following letter to Mr. Hawley by Mr. Waters throws an interesting sidelight on the transaction:
7Mr. R. D. Hawley. New York, May 19, 1876.
9Dear Sir—Your letter of May 18th received, and in reply will comply with your desire. You shall have the violin and the terms you mention, $1,500 down; balance in six months. I am not in need of money, and feel perfectly confident of your honor, etc. This violin has been my pride and glory ever since I have owned it, and I will cheerfully transfer this gem to your keeping, knowing it will be in good hands. I should not have liked to have sold this violin to a musician. They do not know how to prize or take care of a fine Cremona. You are perfectly right in your remarks about buying these fine things. Never cramp yourself to gratify a desire outside of business, and if you feel as though you could spare any certain sum from your business which would give you pleasure, I think it is well to do so. A man may do a great many more foolish things with his money than to buy first-class Cremonas, for they certainly will not die or cost much to keep, and this violin will never grow less in value. You will never find or see its equal in beauty or tone. I know you will prize it and take good care of it, and follow my advice—never allow professors to try or compare it with their violins. Keep it free from the touch of these German fiddlers, and for yourself only. I will send you a bill of sale and history as far as I know. I never intended selling this violin until Mr. Johnson spoke to me about it, and then made up my mind quick. I shall never play violin again, and am only too glad my Joseph has fallen into your hands. I shall keep this secret until you wish it to be
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