Playing Level: Excellent
Made in the workshop of Schweitzer in Germany around 1850, this instrument was originally owned by an inmate who played in the men’s orchestra at the concentration camp in Auschwitz and survived.
Abraham Davidowitz, who fled Poland to Russia in 1939, later returned to post-war Germany and worked for the Joint near Munich, Germany, helping displaced Jews living in DP (Displaced People) camps.
One day a sad man approached Abraham and offered him his violin, as he had no money at all. Abraham paid $50 for the violin, hoping that his little son, Freddy, would play it when he grew up.
Many years later, Freddy heard about the Weinsteins’ Violins of Hope project and donated his instrument to be fully restored and come back to life. Since then, this violin, now restored to perfect condition, has been played in concerts by the best musicians all over the world. Almost.
It is important to note that such instruments were very popular with Jews in Eastern Europe, as they were relatively cheap and made for amateurs. This particular violin was made in Saxony or Tirol in a German workshop. It carries a false label: J.B. Schweitzer, who was a famous maker in his day.
