The Fine Musical Instruments sale at Christie's realised $2,522,625 on Wednesday (April 28), selling 91% by lot and 97% by value.
In the end, the biggest sale was a viola by Gasparo Bertolotti da Saló, Brescia, circa 1575, which carried a pre-sale estimate of $250,000-350,000.
The viola realised a final hammer price of $542,500, including buyer's premium - a world auction record for the maker.
 An antique viola by Gasparo Bertolotti da Saló |
"We are thrilled to have achieved over 10 new world auction records for the most renowned makers, including a viola by Gasparo Bertolotti da Saló, a violin by Carlo Giuseppe Testore, and a violin bow by François Peccatte," said Kerry Keane, Head of Christie's Musical Instruments Department.
"The energy in the full sale room was fuelled by competition for superb instruments, which had solid attributions, great quality and were offered fresh to the market."
According to Keane, the auction's top lots sold to the US, Europe and Asia, making this a truly global sale.
"The market for bows continues to show its strength and depth, as demonstrated by record prices and attaining five of the top ten lots," she added.
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