STOLEN ALERT | Viola Stolen in Oakland, California

A viola and bow were taken from a vehicle around March 17, 2024

The Violin Society of America has reported that a viola was stolen from a vehicle in Oakland, CA last month.

With an orange-brown varnish, the instrument bears a manuscript label with “Carla Shapreau, San Francisco 1978.”  It has a two-piece back of quarter-cut Oregon maple with a pronounced, even, medium to wide figure.  The ribs are of similar wood to that of the back. The scroll is of maple with less figure than the back and ribs, while the two-piece top is of spruce with a narrow grain in the center, which widens towards the flanks.

The measurements are as follows:

• Body length:  42.0 cm (16 1/2”)
• Width at upper bouts: 19.85 cm
• Width at center bouts: 13.4 cm
• Width at lower bouts: 25.75 cm

The bow is made and branded by John Greenwood, Serial Number 273. The stick is 40+ year old pernambuco, dark orange/brown, round (elliptical). The bow tip is mammoth ivory and the frog is ebony, sterling trim, away slide, parisian eyes. The wrap is sterling wire, while the button is 3-part sterling/ebony. The weight is 70.4 grams.

Any information you can provide that would help bring this instrument back to its rightful owner can be shared with the Oakland Police Department at 510-238-3744. Police Report # 24-906069