Hammer Stradivarius

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The Hammer Stradivarius is an antique violin made by Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) of Cremona. The back measures 36 cm, bearing the label inside: "Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis/Faciebat Anno 1707". Dating from 1707, it was made during Stradivari's 'golden' period.

It is named after Christian Hammer, a 19th century Swedish collector who is its first recorded owner. The violin made its way to the United States in 1911 with a violinist and teacher Bernard Sinsheimer. In 1992, it was acquired by a Japanese oil company in an estate sale. The Hammer was on loan to violinist Kyoko Takezawa, who performed with it for the next twelve years.

On May 16, 2006, The Hammer made news when it was sold at Christie's auction to an anonymous bidder for US$3.54 million with a pre-auction estimated value of US$1.5 to US$2.5 million. It is currently the highest price ever paid for a musical instrument in a public sale.