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This famous del Gesù was Isaac Stern's concert violin from 1947 until 1965. He then acquired the Ysaÿe as well, and liked to alternate them every six months in order to rest them. Stern always treated his violins with the greatest respect and this certainly helped keep the Panette in such fine condition. It was exhibited both in the Stradivari Bicentenary Exhibition in Cremona in 1937 and in the Guarneri del Gesù Exhibition in New York in 1994. This marvellous Guarneri, which was sold to the Vicomte de Panette (sic) by Vuillaume in 1847 was consigned to Beare's for sale by the world-famous American connoisseur David Fulton. It was purchased by an enlightened financial institution for the use of a soloist.