Founded in 1892, J & A Beare is widely regarded as the pre-eminent business in the field of fine antique stringed instruments and bows. Supported by Beare’s unrivalled team of specialists, many of the world’s leading artists have chosen to perform on instruments acquired through Beare’s. In the last two and a half years the company has completed sales of 12 fine Stradivari and Guarneri instruments amongst hundreds of other fine instruments and bows by Italian and other European makers. In 2012 Beare’s set a world-record price with the sale of the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri del Gesù for over $16 million.