Crafted in 1736 by revered Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri, it is owned by virtuoso Regis Pasquier and its sound has graced concert halls around the world.

“There are many violins, but this one is like selling a Rembrandt, a Goya or even a Leonardo da Vinci painting,” said Sophie Perrine of the Aguttes auction house near Paris.

The maple-backed instrument is one of about 150 made by Guarneri, the quality and longevity of whose output rivalled that of Antonio Stradivari, but who was far less prolific than his compatriot and contemporary.

Made at the peak of Guarneri’s career, it was bought more than 20 years ago by Pasquier, who gave a concert with it the following day without even practising on it, Perrine said.

“For him, this instrument was perfect,” she added.