I think it's a misquotation. The linked article says
> Around 1960, a London ensemble player earning £1,000 a year could expect to pay twice that sum for a fine 19th-century instrument.
which fits well with what others have commented were typical salaries back then.
I am however surprised by the other commenters saying that playing in an orchestra is not a full time job. Perhaps it is different in the US, but in Sweden any symphony orchestra worth naming is comprised of full-time musicians.
> Around 1960, a London ensemble player earning £1,000 a year could expect to pay twice that sum for a fine 19th-century instrument.
which fits well with what others have commented were typical salaries back then.
I am however surprised by the other commenters saying that playing in an orchestra is not a full time job. Perhaps it is different in the US, but in Sweden any symphony orchestra worth naming is comprised of full-time musicians.