Thurmond Knight made this violin in May, 2003 and dedicated it to the memory of his wife's grandmother, Floretta Greeley, who is related to Horace Greeley.  The instrument is modeled after the Maria ex-Muir-Mackenzie "long" Strad made in 1694.  From 1690 to 1700 Stradivari used this longer model (approximately 3/8" longer) for his violins.  52 "long" Strads are extant.  The top is made with Bavarian spruce cut in 1954, and the red maple back was cut in southern Vermont in 1998.  Floretta was owned and played-in for four years by a professional player and violin teacher located in Maine.  Sale price is $9,600.

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