Cremona violin, 1741

Image © Copyright Estonian Private Collection

Giuseppe Guarnerius Del Gesu violin, Cremona 1741, owned by Sillak family.

John Sillak's wife Anna (nee Lorberg) inherited the violin through Johannes Tusman who in turn received it from Dr. Karrel, Czar Nicholas I personal physician. The violin's long journey included Africa, Jerusalem, Brazil, Estonia and to North America with the Sillak family. It was still being played during the time of Rev. Sillak's service in Alberta.