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Stradivari Model Violin
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Stradivari Model Violin
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Stradivari Model Violin

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.10042012-67-1.a-c
Object Type Violin
Maker (American)
Brand
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood (spruce), metal (gold, unknown), hair, shell, leather, varnish
DimensionsPart a (Violin) L 23 1/2 in x W 8 1/4 in x H 3 1/2 in (8.9 cm x 21 cm x 59.7 cm )
 Part b (Bow) L 29 1/2 in x W 1 in x H 3/4 in (1.9 cm x 2.5 cm x 74.9 cm )
 Storage (Case) H 31 in x W 9 1/2 in x D 5 1/4 in x Wt (78.7 cm x 24.1 cm x 13.3 cm x 0 kg )
Physical DescriptionCustom handmade violin (.a) based on the Stradivari model and the construction techniques of the '700. Violin has dark brown wood color given by the alchemical root extract with melted gold leaves lettering inscriptions on both side reading "All men are created equal" and "all men are by nature equally free and independent." The violin is varnished with natural, based linseed oil and fused amber. Includes a Carbondix Futura model carbon fiber bow (.b) with horse hair, and mother of pearl and ivory inlays and a handmade leather case (.c) is brown with gold trim and metal clasps. "Obama" imprinted on the front.


Historical NoteThe violin, made based on the Stradivari model, is inscribed with two historical quotes. On one side it's inscribed with "All men are created equal," which is quoted from Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. While on the other side, "All men are equally free by nature and independent," which was a phrase said by Filippo Mazzei, a friend of Thomas Jefferson and supporter of the American Revolution.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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