Thursday, June 9, 2011

161/204

A number of years ago my grandmother gave me this violin. Her father, my great grandfather, was a instrument repairman. I can remember seeing violins, guitars, and other strings hanging from the basement ceiling. We are not sure if someone gifted this violin to him or just forgot to pick it up.

When Nana gave it to me, I proudly displayed it on an end table and enjoyed it’s beauty for about a year before noticing a stamp on the inside which read Stradivari. Good Gravy!! It was a Stradivarius, I had hit the jack pot.

I figured it would auction for millions of dollars, the few other remaining masterpieces had sold for around 4 million apiece. I immediately removed from the table, packed it in bubble wrap and put it a safe place before contacting the famous NY auction house, Sotheby's. They asked me to send photos, describe and measure it. After which, I promptly received a letter stating it was an recreation of a Stradivarius and was valued at thousand dollars or so. I’ll hang on to it as it’s worth millions of memories and one good laugh to me.

9 comments:

Carrie said...

Oh wow, I got chills when I read this. What a whirlwind of emotions you must have felt. Looks like you got some amazing pictures!

Sarah P. said...

I love this photo...the light is fantastic and the color is perfect. I've been really enjoying instrument photos lately for some reason and this one is fantastic.

thatgirlblogs said...

beautiful focal point, love it

Chelsea said...

What a great story! At least you've got the memories...that's better than cash, right?!

Laurie said...

What a great story! :) I loved it. Life plays the greatest tricks...:D Lovely photo!

Kara said...

yep.. a keeper! LOVE this shot!

Anonymous said...

Lol- cute story-- sounds like something I would do! Love the picture too!

Michelle said...

What a thrill that must have been even though it didn't turn out as planned. I like how the strings create depth by drawing the eyes into the photo.

Catherine said...

Good story and a thousand is nothing to sneeze at--LOL! Oh, and I like your capture of it, too!