A Stradivari violin almost 280 years old has been sold at auction in New York for nearly $2.8m.
The instrument, made in 1729, was bought by an anonymous bidder for $2.73m, auctioneers Christie's said.
The violin, known as the "Solomon, Ex-Lambert", had been expected to sell for nearer $1.5m, but exceeded expectations.
It took its name from the late Seymour Solomon, co-founder of Vanguard records, and amateur violinist who bought the violin at auction in 1972, and from Murray Lambert, a British concert violinist during the 1920s and '30s who was the previous owner.
Christie's said: "Made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari in 1729, the violin emanates from his mature period and retains the bold outline, superb arching and quality materials which account for the power, sonority and tonal balance his work is recognized for."
Another Stradivari - "The Hammer" - holds the world record price for a musical instrument sold at auction.
The Hammer was sold by Christie's for $3.54m back in May 2006.
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