“Hellier” Stradivarius Receives No Bids at Auction 

Made in 1679, the rare violin was expected to sell for several million dollars, but got no bids at the recent auction at Christie’s auction company

On July 7, 2022, London auction house Christie’s put the 1679 “Hellier” Stradivarius up for bidding as part of their “Exceptional Sale” event. According to them, the instrument was expected to sell between £6m and £9m.

The almost 350-year-old violin was on offer at a starting price of £5.3m. The violin generating no bids online, or by phone, was a surprise considering its rich history. It was eventually passed at the first price offered. 

“Not sure what just happened?!?” Benning Violins posted on Facebook. “I’m dumbfounded. The Hellier Stradivarius didn’t reach its reserve price at Christie's Auction. Stunning!”

The “Hellier” is particularly remarkable for its purfling inlay of approximately 500 precious gems, which includes circles of ivory and ivory diamonds. The violin marked a turning point in Stradivari’s career, as it was the first instrument to depart from the proportions popularized by Nicolò Amati. Stradivari’s new, enlarged proportions created a richer, fuller tone, and were used centuries later.

“[The ‘Hellier’] is the first piece of work that goes in a new direction,” said Florian Leonhard, Stradivari expert and Christie’s consultant in a recent article. “Up to this point you sense that he was following in Amati’s footsteps, but now his personality shows.”

Named for Sir Samuel Hellier (who is thought to be its first owner), the violin has a record dating from the 1880s, which suggests that Hellier acquired the violin directly from Stradivarius around 1734 for £40, though it is said that Stradivarius refused to sell the instrument for a period of 55 years.

“The beauty and significance of the “Hellier” Stradivari remains unquestioned,” stated Amjad Rauf, Christie’s International Head of Masterpiece and Private Sales. “Having inspired huge international excitement, admiration and interest from [the] announcement, we look forward to seeing its next chapter unfold.”

More information about the “Hellier” can be read here.