The ‘Havemeyer’ violin is an excellent representation of the instruments Stradivari made during his so-called ‘Golden Period’. The instrument still bears its original label that reads ‘Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno 1708’ and is named after two of its past owners. The first was Mr. Hector Havemeyer, the grandson of William F. Havemeyer, founder of the American Sugar Refining Company, which controlled about 90 per cent of the industry. The second owner was a Mr. Lyall, of whom we know nothing save for his name, which was recorded by William Henley.
More information: Antonio Stradivari Set 1, Volume 2, Page 308