Notes:

This instrument is in an unaltered state. Not only does it have its original neck, which has not been lengthened, but also the original bass bar. As far as can be seen, the instrument has never been opened. Sergiu Luca purchased the instrument from Andrew Hill in the early 80s. It was discovered by Andrew Hill in a box as he was cleaning out the old W.E. Hill & Sons offices. So far is as known, there is no record of the instrument in the Hill papers.

Conversation with Sergiu Luca

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"1733: By Italian maker Sanctus Seraphin, the violin had been tucked away in the storehouse of an instrument dealer and had been unaltered since the days of Vivaldi. When it was discovered, the dealer contacted Luca, who eventually scraped together the money to buy it. Now the instrument is priceless, Luca said. But when pushed to come up with a dollar figure, he estimated $500,000 to $1 million."

Houston Local News, Weather, Headlines, Sports, Business, and Entertainment - The Houston Chronicle at Chron.com - Houst

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"Excellent preservation (not even a corner replaced), original neck, bar (& pegs?). . ."

W. E. Hill Business Records (1850 - 1990), W. E. Hill & Sons - Business Records (1850 - 1990)