The £27m Stradivarius viola: Is this the most expensive musical instrument ever sold at auction?

The 1719 MacDonald is one of 10 violas by Antonio Stradivari still in existence.

17:53 27 March 2014

A 1719 Macdonald viola, which is one of the 10 violas by Antonio Stradivari still in existence and which is dubbed “the finest in existence” is expected to sell for £27million – making it the most expensive musical instrument ever sold in history.

The viola, which dates back to 1719, was made during the “golden period” of 1700 to 1720.

The Macdonald viola takes its name from Godfrey Bosville, the 3rd Baron Macdonald, who bought it in the 1820s. It is being sold by Sotheby’s and Ingles & Hayday in a sealed bid auction now until June.

Tim Ingles, director of Ingles & Hayday, said: ‘It is immaculately preserved. No Stradivari viola has been on the market for the last fifty years so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

David Redden, Sotheby's vice chairman, added: 'Every field is defined by one outstanding masterpiece which casts its shadow not only on its own domain but far beyond.

'The instruments of Stradivari are in a class of their own among the pinnacles of human craftsmanship and the Macdonald viola stands at the unquestioned summit.'