The instrument was donated by the cremonese Bottazzi Grassi family in December, 1933. Subsequently it became part of the Stradivari Museum's instrument collection.

As regards style and measurements, it was not constructed in conformity with the prevalent standards in Italy during the XVIII century. This bass in all likelihood was used during processions, which could have influenced the designing of an instrument of reduced dimensions when it was commissioned.

The instrument is an extraordinary example which to this day retains its original neck and bass bar, demonstrating the construction techniques in use in Cremona at the end of the 1700's.

The restoration, begun in December, 1998 and concluded in spring, 2000, was carried out on behalf of the Stradivarian Museum.