This is an instrument with an exceptional story. Built in Germany in the late 1800s, it was sent to New Zealand sometime prior to 1911. In the late 1920s it was involved in a car-train collision. Usually this would be enough to write off an instrument, but since it was the depression, and fine instruments were not readily available, it was painstakingly restored.

It has since been through the hands of many luthiers, most of whom have signed their work. We can see signatures inside from 1911, 1930, and 1988, documenting generations of repairs from New Zealand craftsmen.