'Betts' Stradivarius: quick facts
The 'Betts' is a 1704 Stradivari violin, named after the London dealer Arthur Betts, who is said to have acquired it for a tiny sum relative to its worth. It is part of the Library of Congress's Stradivari collection in Washington, D.C., where it is preserved and played in concert.
Type
Violin
Year
1704
Period
Golden period
Value / sale
Not for sale (public collection)
Where it is
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Named after
London dealer Arthur Betts, who reputedly bought it cheaply
Sources: Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.