Scan 443
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
6 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. Printed page 293. See the scan on archive.org.
1blocks and linings. Rest assured, if the maker cannot be seen outside, he will never reveal himself in the inner consciousness of a Fiddle. Measurement is another certain guiding point with these dabblers; the measuring tape is produced, and the instrument condemned if it does not tally with their erroneous theory.
3A STOLEN "STRAD."
5It has often been remarked that to steal a valuable Violin is as hazardous as to steal a child; its identity is equally impregnable, in fact, cannot be disguised, save at the price of entire demolition. To use a paradox, Violins, like people, are all alike, yet none are alike. The indelible personality of the best Violins has been a powerful agent in the cause of morality, and has deterred many from attempting to steal them. We have, however, instances of undiscovered robberies of valuable instruments, and notably that of the fine Stradiuarius which belonged to a well-known amateur, an attaché at the British Embassy at St. Petersburg. The Violin in question was numbered with the Plowden collection. I disposed of it to the amateur above mentioned in 1868, for the sum of £350; it was a magnificent Violin, date 1709, in the highest state of preservation, and would realise at this moment upwards of five hundred guineas. In the year 1869 the owner of it was appointed to the Embassy at St. Petersburg, and removed thither. He was a passionate lover of the
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