Carriage House Violins is honored to announce our recent sale of this Golden Period violin by Antonio Stradivari, "Kneisel, Grün" (Cremona 1714)

Boston, MA — September 26, 2025 — Carriage House Violins, the sales division of Johnson String Instrument, is proud to announce the sale of the 1714 ‘Kneisel, Grün’ violin by Antonio Stradivari, one of the most distinguished instruments from the master maker’s celebrated Golden Period.

Crafted in Cremona during what is widely considered the pinnacle of Stradivari’s career (circa 1700–1718), the ‘Kneisel, Grün’ violin is an outstanding example of the power, balance, and brilliance that define the instruments of this era. Its storied provenance includes renowned 19th-century Hungarian violinist and teacher Jacob Grün, followed by one of his most illustrious students: Franz Kneisel.

Franz Kneisel (1865–1926) served as the founding concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he played for two decades and introduced American audiences to major violin works by Brahms, Ravel, Goldmark, and Schoenberg, as well as the world première of the Dvořák American Quartet. He later became the first head of the violin department at what is now the Juilliard School. His legacy in shaping the American chamber music tradition is inseparable from this instrument, which now carries his name.

Antonio Stradivari (c. 1644–1737), working in Cremona, Italy, is regarded as the most influential violin maker in history. His Golden Period instruments are prized not only for their tonal excellence but also for their exquisite craftsmanship and enduring cultural significance.

“The Kneisel, Grün is an instrument of extraordinary provenance and artistry. It is a privilege for us to have been a part of its journey, and we are honored to carry forward the tradition of connecting great instruments with the musicians and institutions that will give them new life.”

— Robert Mayes, President of Carriage House Violins

Carriage House Violins remains a leading destination for fine stringed instruments and bows, serving musicians, collectors, and investors around the world.

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