In 2008 it was sold to the Nippon Music Foundation for over US$ 10 million in a private transaction . In the wake of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami , the Lady Blunt was put up for charitable sale , with proceeds going to the Nippon Foundation 's relief fund . Tarisio Auctions handled the sale online , raising almost £ 10 million ( US$ 15.9 million ) , more than four times the previous auction record for a Stradivarius , held by the Molitor when it sold for US$ 3.6 million in 2010
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
Lady Blunt Stradivarius