A Vuillaume Violin Sold For Over 185,358 Pounds

An instrument signed by the 'French Stradivarius' was the jewel in the crown of the Aguttes auction held on June 3, far exceeding its high estimate. The violin by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798-1875), initially estimated between €120,000 and €160,000, finally fetched €219,480 (185,358 pounds). "Bidders will have noticed its extremely fine craftsmanship. This violin, which stands out for its projection qualities and remarkably warm and powerful sound, far exceeded its high estimate," stated a press release.

In fact, as one violin maker mentioned, many high-value instruments—and therefore bows—are no longer always acquired by musicians but as safe 'investments.' Buyers often choose to entrust these instruments to performers or let them rest to resell later for a capital gain. Aguttes notes that 'for several decades now, there has been a steady increase in the value of fine instruments, with the rarest and most precious instruments recording annual gains of up to 10%.' They add that 'an instrument needs to resonate, so playing it or having it played is ideal.'