An English violin case made in 1887 has sold for USD17,220 (€15,430) at auction – a record for an instrument case. Skinner auction house had originally listed it with a far more conservative estimate of USD6,000-USD8,000.
The ornate case was crafted by W.E. Hill & Sons in London. It is one of twelve such cases known as the ‘Apostles,’ and was originally commissioned to house a Antonio Stradivari violin.
Each case is inlaid with music motifs made using exotic woods. The lining is made of fine paper and the hardware is brass. Originally more such cases were planned, but the labour-intensive construction proved too expensive.
