Kreisler, Fritz. (1875–1962). Signed Check to the IRS. A personal check from the supreme violinist to the "Collector of Internal Revenue," in the amount of $3,832.30, completed September 11, 1941 and signed in full "Fritz Kreisler." 6.25 x 2.5 inches, 16 x 7 cm. In fine condition.
In inflation-adjusted dollars, the present check from 1941 would have been worth about $78,500. Kreisler had a checkered history with the IRS. A few years after this check, he and his wife made headlines in 1944 when they were permitted to settled Federal tax claims of the then eye-popping amount of $1,384,500 for $300,000. Kreisler, however, continued to be rather uneven in paying his taxes and at his death a deal was struck between the IRS and the family. The citizens of the USA in fact own Fritz Kreisler's Del Gesu Guarnarius violin, The Library of Congress having received it upon his death in exchange for the removal of his tax liabilities. It is housed with the string instrument collection at Library of Congress in the Jefferson building.
Kreisler, Fritz. (1875–1962). Signed Check to the IRS. A personal check from the supreme violinist to the "Collector of Internal Revenue," in the amount of $3,832.30, completed September 11, 1941 and signed in full "Fritz Kreisler." 6.25 x 2.5 inches, 16 x 7 cm. In fine condition.
In inflation-adjusted dollars, the present check from 1941 would have been worth about $78,500. Kreisler had a checkered history with the IRS. A few years after this check, he and his wife made headlines in 1944 when they were permitted to settled Federal tax claims of the then eye-popping amount of $1,384,500 for $300,000. Kreisler, however, continued to be rather uneven in paying his taxes and at his death a deal was struck between the IRS and the family. The citizens of the USA in fact own Fritz Kreisler's Del Gesu Guarnarius violin, The Library of Congress having received it upon his death in exchange for the removal of his tax liabilities. It is housed with the string instrument collection at Library of Congress in the Jefferson building.