Stockholms Auktionsverk Sickla is now honored to sell a unique collection of acoustic instruments from the Gothenburger Hans Lind. This collection contains many rare Levin instruments, some so unique that they are the only known examples. Included are lutes, guitar-lutes, lute-guitars, mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, and more. The collection also features other Swedish instrument makers such as Sven Petter Gerdin, Karl Blomqvist, and Tor Tibell.
Hans developed a great interest in music and the sounds that strings could produce early on. This interest led him to deepen his knowledge, especially about Levin's instrument manufacturing, where he became an expert over several decades. He gained his knowledge partly by building his own collection of Levin instruments, spanning different periods in the Gothenburg manufacturer's history, and partly by interviewing several people who worked for Levin. Hans's great dream was to document and publish a book about Levin and its guitar production, a project he unfortunately did not complete.
Hans had a close relationship with his collection, which he cared for with great love and attention. He was also an active musician, regularly playing with his ensemble and musician friends. He was happy to share his knowledge, something many of his friends and acquaintances are very grateful for. One of Hans's close friends expresses it this way: "Hans was a kind of cultural ambassador for the instruments he owned and taught me invaluable things that I use daily in my work as an instrument repairer and music dealer."
Hans's expertise also extended to foreign manufacturers such as Martin and Gibson, and when it came to mandolins, even Italian builders.
Hans's family now wishes for the instruments to be passed on to interested musicians and collectors who will love the instruments for what they are, just as Hans “Hasse” Lind did.
