Rare Stradivarius Violin Worth $6M Stolen During Milwaukee Armed Robbery

Stradivarius violin

A $100K reward is being offered for information leading to the return of the stolen rare Stradivarius violin.

By H. Nelson Goodson

January 28, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, a $6M Stradivarius rare violin made in 1715 was reported stolen around 10:20 p.m. at a parking lot of the Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee police reported. Police say that Frank Almond, the concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra along with other members have just finished a performance and were walking to their car in the parking when the robbery occured.  A suspect approached Almond and used a taser on him, it caused him to drop the violin. The suspect then picked up the violin and fled the scene in a mini van near by, which was driven by second suspect.

The violin case was found in Washington Park and including an iPad police say. The violin was the primary target, Chief Edward Flynn said during a press conference.

The violin is likely the most valuable single item ever stolen in the Milwaukee area, but the value is only appreciated by few collectors. 

"It is important to note that this violin is valuable to a very small number of people in the world and is not something easily sold for what it is worth," according to police.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Art Crimes Team from their Virginia headquarters has joined the Milwaukee police in their investigation and recovery of the violin.

The violin has been entered into the international art theft database. The FBI team works with Interpol to connect with international art dealers who are able to help locate stolen items throughout international markets, police reported on Tuesday.

Interpol has been notified of the stolen violin.