Stradivarius stolen from sandwich shop to be sold

Classic FM, October 2013

A £1.2 million violin stolen from Euston Station in 2010 will be auctioned on 18 December 2013.

The thieves struck at a Pret a Manger café outside Euston station on 29 November 2010 as violinist Min-Jin Kym stopped to get something to eat. After three years of chasing leads, police found the instrument, undamaged, in the Midlands – but not before the thieves tried to sell the instrument for £100 in an internet café.

Previous owner Min-Jin Kym said: “This violin was a faithful friend for many years and I was devastated by its loss. Its recovery is an absolute relief and I am eager to hear the violin onstage once more and I wish its next owner all the best of luck and success.”

At the time of theft news reports valued the violin at £1.2 million. Online bidding for the auction will start at £1 million, with the final price expected to fetch upwards of £2 million. A portion of the proceeds and sales commission will benefit the authorities who will help recover the violin.

The instrument will be displayed at a public viewing by the auction house, Tarisio, from 27-28 October in London.