World’s Most Expensive Stradivari Violin to Be Sold by Tarisio at Online Auction on June 20

‘Lady Blunt’ last sold privately for over $10 million dollars

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tarisio, the online auction house for fine instruments, is offering the ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivarius violin of 1721 at their June 20, 2011 auction. The ‘Lady Blunt’ is believed to be the most pristine Stradivarius violin still in commercial circulation and has set a record price each time it has come up for sale. Undoubtedly the most important investment piece to collectors worldwide, the violin last sold privately for over $10 million dollars.

“Rarely does a Stradivarius of this quality and with such significant historical provenance come up for sale”

Owned for thirty years by Lady Anne Blunt, granddaughter of the famous English poet Lord Byron, the violin has sparked exceptional interest from collectors around the globe, eager for the unique opportunity to own a piece of history. “Rarely does a Stradivarius of this quality and with such significant historical provenance come up for sale,” said Christopher Reuning of Reuning & Son Violins in Boston.

As investment pieces, fine instruments are ahead of the curve in terms of delivering increased value over time. Says Jason Price, Director of Tarisio, “Fine instruments appreciate in value just like fine works of art, and the ‘Lady Blunt’ is the most significant violin that a collector can buy. In the world of stringed instruments, it is the equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s David.”

The ‘Lady Blunt’ will be auctioned on June 20 on behalf of its current owner, the Nippon Music Foundation. The violin is the most important instrument in their vast and much-admired collection, more valuable than any other piece. All proceeds from the ‘Lady Blunt’ sale will benefit the Nippon Foundation’s Northeastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

ABOUT TARISIO

Tarisio is one of the world’s leading sources of fine and rare stringed instruments. Launched in 1999, it brought a fresh approach to the instrument market, combining the services of a traditional auction house with the efficiency and accessibility of online sales. Offering first-class expertise and guaranteed cataloging, Tarisio quickly earned the respect of musicians, collectors, restorers and members of the trade the world over. It now sells over 2,000 violins, violas, cellos, and bows each year, with offices in New York and London. http://www.tarisio.com

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