Priceless 18th-Century Violin Stolen from London Pub in Bold Theft

A Musical Treasure Disappears During Dinner

An extraordinary 18th-century violin valued at over £150,000 has been stolen from a North London pub, leaving the musician who played it devastated and police urgently appealing for help in tracking down the thief.

The rare violin, crafted in 1740 in Florence by the esteemed luthier Lorenzo Carcassi, was taken from The Marquess Tavern in Islington on the evening of February 18. Its owner, acclaimed Spanish violinist David Lopez Ibanez, was dining at the pub when the theft occurred. The instrument had been on long-term loan to him from a generous German businessman who admired Ibanez’s talent.

A Loss Beyond Measure

David Ibanez, a member of London’s prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra, had placed the violin beside him during dinner, covered by his hat. He never expected that moment to turn into a personal tragedy.

“You’re trained from childhood to treat your instrument with the utmost care,” he said. “Nothing prepares you for the heartbreak of it being stolen. My life was torn apart. Your heart feels like it’s going to explode.”

According to witnesses, someone noticed the hat fall to the floor. A well-meaning bystander, believing it belonged to the suspected thief, ran after the man. It was only later they realized the violin had likely been concealed beneath the suspect's coat.

A Priceless Piece of Musical History

The violin is not just an expensive instrument—it’s a historical masterpiece. Created nearly 300 years ago, it has passed through generations of musicians before reaching Ibanez, who describes it as a living piece of history.

“It had lived for centuries before it ever reached my hands,” Ibanez shared. “It has its own story, its own soul.”

The instrument is easily identifiable by a distinctive feature: a tiny heart-shaped cut-out on the back of the scroll—an uncommon and delicate touch that makes it unique among its kind.

Police Release CCTV Image in Appeal for Public Help

The Metropolitan Police have released a blurred CCTV image showing a man dressed in black and holding a beige trench coat—the prime suspect in the case.

PC Michael Collins described the violin as “incredibly precious” and emphasized the emotional impact of the loss.

“This instrument is priceless to the victim,” said Collins. “We’ve been working diligently to identify the suspect and recover the violin. We are urging anyone with information to come forward.”

How You Can Help

Authorities are calling on the public to help in the search for the missing violin and the suspect involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101 and quoting reference 01/7178074/25. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crimestoppers.

A Cultural and Emotional Void

The theft of this violin represents more than the loss of a valuable object. It has robbed an artist of a cherished tool of expression and silenced an instrument that has sung through centuries. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that this priceless piece of musical heritage will soon find its way back home.