Amber-finish violin with dented back and blue bow
Description
I lost my amber-finish handmade violin yesterday around 3pm near Falls Park in Sioux Falls, along N Phillips Ave by the SculptureWalk entrance. It's a spruce-top violin with a maple back and ebony fittings, finished in a warm amber varnish that catches the light. There’s a small dent on the lower bout and a faint scratch along the scroll, and the bow has a bright blue grip. The case is a well-worn brown tweed zipper case, and inside the lid there’s a tiny sticker with my initials 'A.P.' on it. This violin means a lot to me—it was a gift from my late mentor and I really need it back to keep practicing. If someone found it, please email me at [email protected] and we can arrange a pickup downtown.
Approximate last-seen location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely get your item back
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the finder before meeting
- Ask them to describe a detail not shown in your listing, such as an engraving, scratch, or contents.
- Request a clear photo of the item from an angle you did not post.
- Do not pay any release, shipping, or storage fee.
- Do not share your full address until you have verified them.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.