Rare 1714 Stradivarius Violin Could Break Auction Records at $18 Million

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, crafted during Antonio Stradivari's 'Golden Period,' will be auctioned to benefit music scholarships.

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin, made in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari, is estimated to sell for $12 million to $18 million at Sotheby’s in New York on February 7.
If sold at the high end of its valuation, it could surpass the current record of $15.9 million set in 2011 by the 'Lady Blunt' Stradivarius.
Stradivari crafted the violin during his 'Golden Period,' regarded as the pinnacle of his artistry in instrument-making.
The violin has a storied history, having been owned by virtuosos Joseph Joachim and Si-Hon Ma, and was used in the 1879 premiere of Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major.
Proceeds from the sale will establish the largest named student scholarship fund in the New England Conservatory’s history.