Autograph letter of Stradivari, property of the Stauffer Foundation

MS601 bis
A. Stradivari
Autograph letter, property of the Walter Stauffer Foundation
Ink on paper
B mm 290; H mm 207

‘Most esteemed, very reverend, and illustrious Sir! I beg you will forgive the delay with the violin, occasioned by the varnishing of the large cracks, that the sun may not re-open them. However, will now receive the instrument, well repaired, in its case, and I regret that I could do no more to serve you. For my work, please send me a filippo; it is worth more, but for the pleasure of serving you I am satisfied with that sum. If I can do anything else for you, I beg you will command me, and kissing your hand, I remain, most illustrious and reverend Sir, Your most faithful servant
Antonio Stradivari. Cremona 12 August 1708’. (Hill p. 174)