105-year-old violin returned to rightful owner in Richmond, B.C

Richmond RCMP said the violin was in a hard black case with red lining, which is seen here occupied by a cat. (Richmond RCMP)

A vintage violin that fell out of its owner’s vehicle last week has been returned thanks to a Good Samaritan, according to the Richmond RCMP.

Mounties put out a public appeal for the violin’s finder to come forward on July 17, after witnesses reported another driver pulled over, retrieved the instrument, and drove away with it.

Read more: A 105-year-old violin fell out of a vehicle in B.C., now police are seeking the man who picked it up

The valuable violin that fell out of an open trunk on Francis Road near Gilbert Road was a 1920 Carlo Micelli.

The man who picked up the instrument called police on Tuesday after seeing a news report and handed it over to the detachment.

“I’m happy to help,” the Good Samaritan, who police did not name, was quoted as saying in a news release Thursday. “I’m sure anyone would do the same, especially when they know it is a cherished item.”

The violin’s owner thanked the finder for doing the right thing.

“I want to thank the man who found my violin and turned it in. To the public, I hope my story shows the importance of making a police report and also the value of reporting found items to police in case someone is looking for it,” the musician said, in the release.