You entrust a precious object to a dealer. Without a detailed contract, what does he really owe you?
First, there was a violin. It was a Stradivarius, built by the master in the mid 1690’s, just before his “golden period.” It had a deep ochre finish and an angelic sound.
Next came our client Sophie, an amateur violinist who had inherited the instrument from her grandmother. She also inherited expensive tastes that she found difficult to support on her income as a librarian.
Then there was Sophie’s violin teacher. “Ever thought of selling your Strad?” he asked her one day. “I might know just the dealer for you.” Continue reading “Playing by the Rules”