LOS FELIZ—On December 8, a 1710 Amati violin was stolen in Los Feliz. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office’s Art Crime Team in California has been investigating and is asking the public to assist with any information pertaining to the theft.

The violin’s measurements are as follows:

  • Length of back – 35.3 centimeters
  • Upper bouts – 16.8 centimeters
  • Middle bouts – 11.2 centimeters
  • Lower bouts – 20.4 centimeters

“The violin was stolen from a vehicle at the victim’s residence that had been transporting it.  It’s possible there was a vehicle thief in the neighborhood at the time,” FBI Media Relations, Media Coordinator/Spokeswoman, Laura Eimiller shared with Canyon News.

The victim is offering an award of $25,000 for information leading to recovery of the violin.

“The violin is very valuable and, more importantly, considered artwork and culturally significant. The FBI investigates art theft in the United States with our local and international partners to recover art & antiquities,” Eimiller told Canyon News.

“We have not yet recovered the violin and are seeking tips from the public with regard to the theft and its whereabouts. Here is a photo and description of the violin,” shared Eimiller.

Amati is the last name of a family of Italian violin makers, between the years of 1538 to 1740 lived at Cremona. The importance is equal to those of the Bergonzi, Guarneri, and Stradivari families.

Anyone who has information pertaining to the stolen Amati violin, can contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565. Tipsters can also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.