Stradivarius "in a closet for 25 years" could sell for $10m

22 May 2014, 12:42 | Updated: 30 September 2014, 14:30

An antique Stradivarius violin kept in a cupboard for 25 years is to be auctioned later this month and is expected to fetch $10 million.

It's being sold as part of a collection being sold in an auction entitled 'An American Dynasty: The Clark Family Treasures'. The auction will take place in New York on June 18th.

The violin, believed to date from 1731, was owned by the violinist Rodolphe Kreutzer for most of his life. The violin is now known as the 'Kreutzer' Stradivarius as a result.

Gallery: Stradivarius - the most beautiful violins in the world

The violin was displayed in Hong Kong this week as part of Christie's preview of their spring auctions.

Christie's instrument specialist Kerry Keane described the violin as "a magnificent instrument, it's a great piece of sculpture."

It's not the only Stradivarius to go under the hammer this month: a viola, known as the Macdonald, is expected to reach something in the region of $45 million, which would make it the most expensive sale of its kind.

Take a closer look at the violin by clicking on the thumbnail below: