"Something is gnawing on my soul," confesses Frank Kraus. His beloved 1734 Stradivarius violin, a family heirloom given to him by his grandfather when he was six years old was stolen from him 15 years later.

In 1945, Mr. Kraus was arranging to transport 16 family items back to Austria, the articles having been stored at Neustadtl (Straz) #131, the site of a well-known restaurant Zum Weissen Rössl ('to the White Horse'). The restaurant owner, also Mayor of the village, cautioned Mr. Kraus to get written permission in advance, which he set out to do.

As part of that process, three men in civilian clothes, who identified themselves as Gendarmerie Post of Straz, examined the articles. Documents were signed by two of the officials and all articles were verified against a list itemizing them. At some point during the examination, the Stradivarius was removed by one of the men and carried to another room, whereupon someone began playing the instrument without first tuning it.

"It was as if my violin was crying."

Mr. Kraus has not seen his violin, its two bows, or its case since.

Believing that no intelligent person would destroy such an instrument, he pleas for the holder to return his Stradivarius. Mr. Kraus feels no acrimony toward the current bearer, since he or she may be unaware of being in possession of stolen property. He just wants his violin back and hopes that the bearer's compassion will return it to him.

Anyone with information about this property or who is unable to verify the origins of a Stradivarius in their possession, should call the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522, quoting the Interpol Ottawa file #I.P.27/98 I.P.28858. Those preferring an alternative method are welcome to send an email, which will be forwarded directly to Mr. Kraus.