A nearly 300-year-old musical instrument called a violin could soon sell for more than $10 million. The instrument was made by Italian violin maker Giuseppe Guarneri in 1736. A French auction house compares the violin to a painting by Leonardo da Vinci - the famous Italian painter. The violin is owned by Regis Pasquier. He has played the instrument in concert halls around the world. Pasquier received the first prize for violin from the French National Conservatory of Music when he was only 12 years old. He is known as one of the top violinists in the world. Sophie Perrine is with the Aguttes auction house, near Paris, France. Perrine said, "There are many violins, but this one is like selling a Rembrandt, a Goya, or even a Leonardo da Vinci painting." The instrument is one of about 150 made by Guarneri. He is often compared to another well-known Italian violin maker, Antonio Stradivari. Pasquier bought the violin more than 20 years ago. He gave a concert the following day without even practicing on the instrument. Perrine noted, "For him, this instrument was perfect." Pasquier has since played the instrument in places like Carnegie Hall in New York and the Opera Garnier in Paris. The violin will be up for sale on June 3 following a three-day viewing. Perrine said it could sell for up to $10 million.