from: Edgar Bundy
A Stradivarius violin named after its pioneering female owner has been sold in New York for $1.2m (£600,000).
The instrument, made in the 18th century, belonged to Barbara Penny, the first woman to play in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra strings section.
Ms Penny, who played as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe, died last year.
The violin was sold to a buyer who wished to remain anonymous, said auction house Christie's.
The instrument, the sound of which is described as "sweet and bell-like", was owned by Ms Penny from 1965.
The violin was sold to a buyer who wished to remain anonymous, said auction house Christie's.
The instrument, the sound of which is described as "sweet and bell-like", was owned by Ms Penny from 1965.
The sale was far below the $3.5m (£1.75m) paid in 2006 for a Stradivarius instrument known as The Hammer, thought to be a record.
Italian Antonio Stradivari made some 1,100 pieces during his working life, with 650 still in existence today.
