The violin is part of Antonio Stradivari’s “golden period” of production, which spanned from 1710 to 1720. For nearly four decades in the 20th century, it belonged to the Russian musician Toscha Seidel, who used it during his long career in Hollywood.
The violin is slightly more refined than other instruments from the same time period. Its edges and purfling are narrower and its corners are less blunted. Additionally, it features a gorgeous one-piece maple back, although Stradivari was known for making more two-piece backs during the 1710s.
Seidel bought this specific violin in the 1920s for $25,000, which would be more than $400,000 today. The sale was front-page news, with Seidel telling The New York Times, “We precisely suit each other, and I am convinced it is one of the finest examples of the famous violin maker.”
The violinist would go on to play the Strad during countless performances, most notably in the film scores for The Wizard of Oz and Intermezzo.
