'Molitor' Stradivarius
The 'Molitor' Stradivarius is a violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1697, a period before the Italian maker reached the pinnacle of his output during his golden years. The instrument derives its name from a French family with historical ties to the Napoleonic era, and it has long carried an association with that cultural circle, though the precise details of its early provenance remain part of violin lore.
The 'Molitor' gained international prominence in 2010 when it sold at auction for a price that set a record for any musical instrument at that time. The purchaser was an established concert violinist who subsequently integrated the instrument into an active performance career, playing it regularly in public recitals and engagements.
The sale generated substantial attention within the rare-instrument market and among collectors, drawing focus to the economics of acquiring top-tier Stradivari violins. The 'Molitor' transaction exemplified how historical provenance, maker reputation, and instrument condition converge to establish valuations in the highest tier of the violin market. The sale underscored both the enduring prestige of Stradivari instruments and the willingness of performing musicians to acquire and use such pieces as working tools rather than sheltered collectibles.
Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection; Smithsonian — National Music Museum / NMAH string instruments. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the the molitor Stradivarius?
It is a Stradivari violin made in 1697 (early / pre-golden period). A widely publicised record auction sale.
How much is the the molitor worth?
Reported value/sale: Sold at auction in 2010 for a then-record price for any instrument. This is market history, not an appraisal or investment advice.
Where is the the molitor Stradivarius now?
Privately held by a soloist.
Why is it called the the molitor?
Juliette Récamier de Molitor, a 19th-century French owner.
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