Acquired before 1942 in Europe.
Loss due to Nazi persecution or loss during World War II cannot be ruled out due to gaps in the provenance.
No documented purchase: The origin of the instrument prior to its transfer to the Düsseldorf Municipal Orchestra is not documented. Neither the dealer nor the original owner can be traced.
Connection to Nazi lending practices: It is certain that the Reich Ministry of Propaganda (RMVP) made the viola available on loan. This measure is closely linked to the state-controlled practice of awarding ‘master instruments’ to selected musicians and orchestras in line with Nazi cultural policy.
Provenance gaps: The history of the object before 1951 is unclear. There is also no continuous documentation of ownership, condition interventions or administrative management for the years 1951–1995.
