‘Kreutzer’ Strad, Found in Reclusive Heiress' Closet, to Sell for Upto $10M

The 1731 ‘Kreutzer’ Stradivarius violin, found hidden in the closet of the late eccentric heiress Huguette Clark’s Manhattan apartment, is expected to sell at auction in New York this week for upto USD $10 million.

The reclusive heiress, who died aged 104 in 2011, was the daughter of copper magnate and politician William A Clark – once believed to be the richest man in America.

The 1731 golden-period instrument, which had been left untouched for more than 25 years, was named after its former owner French violin virtuoso, Rodolphe Kreutzer.

“Our pre-sale estimate on this is $7.5 million to $10 million,” Kerry Keane, head musical instrument specialist at Christie's New York has said.

Christie’s have begun accepting sealed bids - with the final deadline this Thursday, 12th June.