Answer for question 4170.

[Error: unknown template qotd]Family violin which was originally purchased by my great-great-uncle, a virtuoso violinist and conductor who eventually ran his own orchestra: the instrument is of German origin and wasn't new even then, so must at some point have been shipped across to mid-19th century England in a sailing vessel. Which is a weirdly odd thought.
Judging by the scars on the back, it spent some time earning its living in a pit orchestra being picked up and put down hastily across a wooden chair. It has had a new bridge, new tailpiece, and fine-tuners fitted. It's still a good quality instrument even by modern standards -- now over 150 years old.
I have my own violin of similar vintage but not inherited, and obviously I prefer my familiar instrument... so I'm not sure what will happen to the family violin in the next generation. Perhaps they will both become heirlooms?