2 mins
From the ARCHIVE
An anonymous article entitled ‘Fiddle Dealers, Beware!’ reveals how two of London’s best-known violin dealers were swindled by a pair of European con artists
There are many forms of fiddle swindling, but it seems the ingenuity of buyers is no more exhausted than that of sellers. Quite recently two well-dressed men entered the shop of Messrs. Haynes, Foucher and Co. One was a German—at least he looked like one, for he said little, evidently believing that a still tongue makes a wise head. The other was a Frenchman, and Mr. Foucher being also of that ilk, they got on very well together.
IAN BREAREY/ROYALACADEMY OF MUSIC
Some “Carrodus” and “Foucher” violins were selected, and then came the question of the clarionets. Mr. Foucher showed some, and they were inclined to buy three; but when the price was mentioned the Frenchman shrugged his shoulders: “My friend at the Cape has not sent enough money; we are limited to so-and-so, and if he wants more clarionets or fiddles, well, ma foi! he must send some more money!” Another thing which convinced Mr. Foucher was that while the German friend was looking round the shop, the Frenchman whispered in Mr. F.’s ear that he should expect a commission on the transaction, and would call to-morrow to get it. This was as good as gold; it was evident, from their care in laying out their friend’s money, that they were sound to the core; and the fiddles and clarionets were packed. Then came the question of payment. Messrs. Haynes, Foucher and Co. actually took a cheque on a well-known London bank for £40, written on a penny bill stamp form, and let their goods go, feeling sure, from the indications of good faith they had seen, that the cheque would be duly honoured.But it wasn’t, either duly, unduly, or any other ly. They were done—a rich brown on both sides; done right through, but a little burnt on the off-side. They tried to get a warrant for the apprehension of these distinguished foreigners, but forty-eight hours ran their merry course before this could be done, and the thieves got clean away. But Messrs.Haynes have one great consolation— Mr. Alfred Hays, of the well-known Royal Exchange fiddle emporium, was done rather browner than they were, and burnt on both near and off sides.These same foreigners cajoled Mr. Hays into sending a sixty guinea Guarnerius to their address. The messenger had strict injunctions to bring the cheque with him, and he did, and was cautioned to keep his pocket buttoned up as it was an open cheque. It was very open indeed, so much so that the banker, though he “winked the other eye,” did not see his way to cash it, the cheque being open and the account not open. Net result—verdict for the foreign scamps for £100, with costs. Call on the next case!