Dublin Historical Record Archive.
By Walter Beckett, Mus.D.
Bought in 1810 by a Dublin wine merchant Allen Dowell. He was a keen accomplished musician and a collector of Stradivari instruments, during his life-time he collected six Strad violins and one Cello. In 1821 he sold the Cello to the Rev. Mr Booth of Co Carlow a country parson for 300 guines. In 1831 this Cello came up for sale in Creamer Beals of London where it was bought by Samuel Pigott a foremost Dublin Celliest of the day and founder of the Pigott music shop which still exsists to the present time.
On Tuesday the 5th of November 1844 in Dublin's Theatre Royal Piatti playing on a Ruggieri Performed three items. A grand trio by Mayseder, a grand duet (with Savori) and a solo number which was a grand fantasia by Kummer. Pigott was playing his Cello in the orcastra and Piatti called on Pigott to try out his fine Strad. To quote Piatti "Great was my astonishment to see a noble example, and I must confess I greatly envied it's owner, who I may add seemed to thoroughly appriciate his treasure".
Pigott died in 1853 and the Cello was enthrusted to Sir Robert Gore- Booth for disposal in London. Purchased by Col. Oliver a rich patron of the art's and a friend of Piatti's. In 1867 on visiting the Colonel's house Piatti was comparing three violincello's, an Amati, a Montanagna and the Strad. The Colonel asked "which do you prefer? " Piatti replied. "one cannot have a doubt, the Strad". Colonel Oliver gave it to him. End
On Piatti's death it was sold to Robert Von Mendelssohn.This Cello is currently owned by Cellist Carlos Prieto.