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Source-linked reporting
abc.net.au
The note was found inside the Dachau-built violin of hope in Magyarpolány, Hungary. Franciszek Kempa built the instrument in 1941 while imprisoned at Dachau, and a repairman discovered a hidden note after opening the violin. The note, written during World War II, references the Dachau creation date and maker.
interestingengineering.com
The article describes a violin built in Dachau by Polish Jewish prisoner Franciszek ‘Franz’ Kempa in 1941. A hidden note inside the instrument reveals it was made under difficult conditions at Dachau. The violin, believed to be the only one crafted entirely inside Dachau, later passed through Hungarian art dealers before repairs uncovered the message.
tennants.co.uk
The article reports that an early 20th century French cello (made in 1929) topped Tennants Auctioneers' Scientific and Musical Instruments Sale, selling for £8,000. Other notable lots included a Turner London stamped violin with bow and case (£6,500), a violin bow by W. E. Hill & Sons (£4,200), a Hill-stamped viola bow (£1,500), and a C. Thomassin cello bow (£1,600). Additional items: Clifford Paragon four-string banjo (£2,200); Northumbrian Pipes (£850); Beatles Twelve Mono Reel-To-Reel Tapes (£1,400). Camera highlights included Hasselblad and Leica entries; specific sales included a Hasselblad 500C/M (£950), a Hasselblad CFV-50C Digital Camera Back (£1,500), and a Leica M11 Camera Body (£2,900). Total hammer price reached £88,520 with an 88% sold rate across 300 lots.
pussygaloresemporium.com
The Tennants Auctioneers sale featured a 1929 French cello hammering at £8,000, among other instrument highlights including a Turner London violin sold for £6,500 and bows by W.E. Hill & Sons (£4,200), Hill (£1,500), and C. Thomassin (£1,600). The sale also included Clifford Paragon banjo (£2,200), Northumbrian pipes (£850), Beatles mono reel-to-reel tapes (£1,400), Hasselblad 500C/M (£950), Hasselblad CFV-50C back (£1,500), and Leica M11 (£2,900).
theguardian.com
Charles Beare obituary discusses the life of violin expert and international stringed-instrument dealer Charles Beare, who died aged 87. The article notes his work with notable musicians and his unmatched knowledge of fine instruments and bows.
inquirer.com
Roberto Díaz, president and CEO of Curtis Institute of Music, performs on the Tuscan-Medici viola by Antonio Stradivari at the Library of Congress. The instrument, made in 1690, is valued at $30 million and donated to the Library of Congress. The donation was made possible by a $20 million cash gift from David Fulton and his wife Amy, with the Baird family selling the viola.
plymouthauctions.co.uk
The story centers on a rare early 19th-century violin stamped Perry Dublin, attributed to the Perry workshop of Ireland, described as linked to Thomas Perry known as “The Irish Stradivari.” Plymouth Auction Rooms has consigned the instrument for auction this July with an estimated value around £5,000.