This violin bears an original label, but one on which the date has been altered to read 1701. The Hill Brothers listed the instrument in both editions of their famous book, along with other fine examples of the ‘Long Pattern’, and recorded it as being a product of 16-- adding: ‘a most charming specimen, though unfortunately its original date has been altered to 1701.’ Some years later, Alfred Hill indicated his particular fondness for this instrument and was subsequently quoted by Roger Hargrave as saying: ‘I always had a great admiration for this fiddle; it foreshadows the end of the period during which the ‘long Stradivari’ was the instrument of the Master’s predilection. Its beauty of workmanship and appearance are apparent to all, and its state of purity is beyond criticism.’ The instrument takes its name from the Italian Count Cesare Castelbarco of Milan, who, in the 19th century, owned a distinguished collection of fine instruments.
More information: Antonio Stradivari Set 1, Volume 2, Page 72