Author Archives: Anna
Karel Vávra Violin, Prague 1941
Recently sold
Prague has a long and fine tradition of violin-making, and the early 20th century Prague makers produced some of the best sounding modern violins around. Karel Vava was a leading maker of this school, and here we have a very typical Guarneri-inspired violin of his from 1943.
Some minor cosmetic issues but overall a very beautiful violin, aesthetically and tonally. More details
Emile Ouchard Cello Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
£8,500 On trial
Emile Ouchard was a prolific maker who made bows of varying qualities for many different firms, but his best work is extremely fine – here we have an unusually good cello bow of his in excellent condition. More details
Joseph Alfred Lamy Violin Bow, Paris circa 1885
£16,500
This is a typically elegant early bow by Lamy Père, very close in style to the work of his master FN Voirin, and in excellent condition. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1900
£10,000 On trial
When Tubbs bows are good they’re really good! This is a super late period example – quite light but stiff and nervy, drawing a very fine tone. More details
Eugenio Degani Violin, Venice 1893
£55,000
Eugenio Degani is one of the most recognizable of modern Italian makers. His violins are always refined and stylish. Here we have a wonderful sounding example in perfect condition. More details
Claude Joseph Fonclause Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1830
£40,000
Joseph Fonclause is a rare maker whose work is highly appreciated by soloists. There we have a fine early example in excellent condition – a very powerful stick with a great tone. More details
HR Pfretzschner Violin Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1960
£6,000
An exceptional gold mounted HR Pfretzschner violin bow in near perfect condition – and a big sound. More details
François Peccatte Violin Bow, Paris circa 1845
£25,000
François Peccatte was younger brother to Dominique, and a maker of equal skill – this is a lovely example of his work in very good condition. More details
Charles JB Collin-Mézin Violin, Paris 1884
Recently sold
Like a Hill bow, an early Collin-Mézin is an utterly reliable commodity. Everybody likes them – professional players, amateurs, students, teachers, and violin shop owners. This example is one of the nicest I’ve seen, with a beautifully warm and rich tone that would cofound anyone’s prejudices about “the French sound”. More details
Roze Viola, Orléans 1758
£12,000
Roze is such an obscure maker that he doesn’t even feature in the Cozio archive, yet he was clearly able to produce very sophisticated sounding instruments such as this lovely viola. More details
Chardon & Chardon Small Viola, Paris circa 1915
£16,000
Joseph Chardon was the son in law of Geroges Chanot, also his apprentice and his successor. Born in 1843 he lived a long life, and was assisted in the family business by his son Georges Chardon. This viola was made around 1915-1920, and it still owes a lot stylistically to the wonderful instruments of Georges Chanot. More details
Jean-François Aldric Violin, Paris 1835
£52,500
Jean-François Aldric is one of the great names in French making, of the same generation as Lupot and Pique. In his later years he made superb Stradivari copies modelled on originals which he obtained from Luigi Tarisio, and our violin is one of these – a very faithful Strad copy displaying exquisite workmanship, with a real concert sound. More details
František Karel Križ Violin, Prague 1930
£6,000
František Križ was one of the most talented Czech makers of the early 20th century, with a rare gift for sound. This del Gesu inspired violin is a great example of his work in near perfect condition. More details
Sebastian Klotz Workshop Violin, Mittenwald circa 1745
£25,000
This is an unusually fine Mittenwald violin, probably by Sebastian Klotz, dating from around 1745-1750. It’s in outstanding condition and the sound is fresh and brilliant. More details
Michael Albani Violin, Bolzano circa 1720
£20,000
The Albani family played a huge role in the development of violin-making, and yet their instruments are rarely seen. This violin is a very interesting example, following very closely on the work of Matthias but made by his son Michael. Always more successful tonally than Stainer (the other Tyrolean), this violin is no exception. More details
Angelo Soliani Violin, Modena circa 1800
£30,000
Angelo Soliani violins are quite rare, and they are highly prized for their quality of tone. He seems to have been heavily influenced by Guadagnini, and the arching and varnish are very similar. This example is far from pristine, but it’s a great sounding instrument in good restored condition. More details
WE Hill & Son Violin Bow, London circa 1910
£8,000
This is a superb tortoiseshell mounted Hill bow from the early 20th century in exceptional condition, and one of the best players we have come across. More details
WE Hill & Son Viola Bow, London circa 1920
£16,000
This is a top of the range Hill viola bow in gold and ivory dating from 1937 – it’s in great condition and it plays beautifully. More details
Etienne Pajeot Violin Bow, Paris circa 1825
£47,500
Etienne Pajeot just keeps going up in my estimation – his bows are very hard to beat tonally, and he was a real innovator. This is a great early example with wood to wood mounts in excellent condition, and the sound is magical. More details
Roger Gérome Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1950
£3,500
Roger Gérome was primarily a dealer in accessories and tonewood, but he developed a very successful relationship with various Mirecourt bow-makers and sold their bows under his own stamp or “Gérome-Devoivre”. This is a lovely example with fine detailing and excellent wood. More details
Giovanni Schwarz Small Viola, Venice 1913
£25,000 On trial
Giovanni Schwarz was the nephew and apprentice of Eugenio Degani. This instrument bears an authentic Degani label, but it’s signed by Schwarz. Is it a Degani or a Schwarz? Quite a tricky conundrum, but either way a very fine Venetian small viola with an outstanding sound. More details
Small Viola probably by Francesco Maurizi , Appignano circa 1840
£35,000
Francesco Maurizi is a relatively obscure maker from the Marche region of central Italy. His violins are much admired for their quality of sound, though the construction can be quite hurried. This viola is a great example, with an unusually deep and noble sound for its size. More details
Paul Bailly Violin, Paris circa 1880
£22,500
Paul Bailly is definitely the most interesting maker to have come out of the Vuillaume shop, and we always like to have a couple of his violins in our stock. This is a very pretty small pattern violin (LOB 35.1cm) dating from his first Paris sojourn. More details
Jean “Grand” Adam Cello Bow, Paris circa 1850
£45,000
Jean (Grand) Adam is the best known and most highly valued of the Adam makers. He worked in the prestigious Vuillaume shop, but his bows are most often compared to those of FX Tourte. More details
Nicolas Maire Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1845
£38,000
This is a fine early Maire with wood to wood mounts, a feature much appreciated by hardcore toneheads The adjuster is a later replacement, and the price accordingly very attractive for this maker. More details
Nicolas Maire Violin Bow, Paris circa 1845
£42,500
Nicolas Maire is a highly respected maker, closely associated with Pajeot. His style evolved significantly during his working life – this later example is Maire at his most artistic. More details
Louis Gillet Violin Bow for Lavest, circa 1935
£11,000 On trial
Louis Henri Gillet is best known as the maker of many late Sartory bows, but he was a formidable maker in his own right before this collaboration. This bow makes the point perfectly – very elegant work and an almost perfect playing bow. More details
Nürnberger Violin Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1930
£8,500
This is an unusually fine gold and ebony mounted bow from the Nürnberger shop, probably the work of Philipp Paul Nürnberger. It’s a beautiful example of the higher-end production of this workshop. More details
WE Hill & Son Violin Bow, London 1959
£5,000
This is a superb Hill bow in mint condition, date stamped under the frog. It’s an excellent player with a strong yet lively stick. More details
Paul Bailly Viola, Paris circa 1895
£26,500
Paul Bailly is the only maker from the Vuillaume shop who continued to work well into the 20th century, and his style is more individual and fluid than that of his co-workers like Maucotel, Derazey or Silvestre. This slightly undersized viola is a great example of his work in near-mint condition. More details
Eugène Sartory Violin Bow, Paris circa 1910
£26,500
Eugène Sartory remains the most popular bowmaker amongst professional musicians, and the value of his bows continues to rise at an alarming rate! This is a fine early example with excellent playing qualities. More details
Eugène Sartory Violin Bow, Paris circa 1900
£32,500
This is a unique early Sartory bow in superb condition – it’s a highly collectable bow but it also has a unique clarity of tone. More details
Louis Morizot Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
£6,500
We have a number of bows by Louis Morizot, and I rate him very highly as a maker. Although the family name has come to be associated with more mass-produced bows, the father’s work is first rate. More details
Joseph Henry Violin Bow, Paris circa 1860
£28,500
Joseph Henry is in my opinion the greatest maker of the Peccatte school. This bow has a replacement frog and is quite worn, but it’s an exceptional player. More details
N. Lemaire a Paris Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1920
£4,500
N. Lemaire a Paris was a trade name used principally by the firm of Paul Beuscher in Paris. This particular bow was probably made by EF Ouchard but supplied by Cuniot-Hury. All very complicated, but that’s French trade bows for you! More details
Hilaire Darche Violin, Brussels 1905
£18,000
Hilaire Darche came from a large family of violin-makers who all collaborated with or worked for NF Vuillaume in Brussels. He was a leading expert in the field of Italian violins and made many copies, but the majority of his violins are made in the crisp French style with fine materials and a highly reflective red varnish. More details
Edwin Herrmann Violin Bow, Schönlind circa 1930
Recently sold
The Herrmann family were prominent bowmakers based in the Vogtland region of Germany dating back to the 18th century. This example by Edwin Herrmann (1893-1972) is very typical. More details
Paul Weidhaas Cello Bow for Victor Fétique circa 1930
£5,000
Paul Weidhaas is one of the most respected of early 20th century German bow-makers. Here we have a fine cello bow made in the French style, and in unusually pristine condition. More details
Günter Paulus Violin Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1980
Recently sold
The Paulus family have maintained a very high standard of making over several generations, and I particularly like their bows. This is a lovely example with chased silver mounts. More details
WE Hill & Son Cello Bow, London circa 1920
£16,000
This is a very fine Hill cello bow in silver and tortoiseshell, bearing the maker’s mark of William Johnston. It’s a rare early example in spectacular condition, and commanding a premium price. More details
Bausch Cello Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1920
£4,500
A good cello bow from the Bausch workshop, dating from the early 1900s. More details
Charles Gaillard Violin, Paris 1853
£30,000
French violin-making in the 19th century has been dominated by the Vuillaume shop, but there are numerous makers at this time who produced more beautiful and more individual work. Gaillard is one of these, and this is a great example with a lustrous varnish and an outstanding concert tone. More details
Etienne Pajeot Cello Bow, Mirecourt circa 1830
£47,500
Etienne Pajeot is one of the great early French makers, and his bows are highly sought after for their excellent technical qualities. This is a relatively rare early cello bow in good condition.
More details
HR Pfretzschner Violin Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1940
£3,250
It’s great to see the violin world finally waking up to the qualities of good German bows. There is absolutely no difference in quality of work or playability between fine French and German bows, and this Pfretzschner proves the point perfectly. Very elegant, made with superb materials, and a joy to use. More details
WE Hill & Sons Violin Bow, London circa 1930
£6,500
This is a very fine Hill bow from between the wars, made by William R Retford as indicated by the two dots on the face plate. Quite a light bow but a very solid player. More details
A Milanese Violin circa 1720, possibly Carlo Rotta
£65,000
This is a fascinating early 18th century Milanese violin by a maker from the circle of Giovanni Grancino. It’s a beautiful looking instrument with some unique points of style, and the sound is everything one might wish for from a fine Italian violin. More details
Charles Maucotel Violin, London 1851
£60,000
Charles Maucotel was the first of the Parisian makers to come to London. A tremendous yet relatively unknown maker, here we have a beautiful del Gesu copy of his in excellent condition, and with a first class sound. More details
WE Hill & Son Violin Bow, London circa 1935
£4,000
There are few professional players who don’t have a Hill in their case. The firm’s reputation for quality and reliability is well deserved, and the bows carrying the WE Hill & Sons brand are always in demand. More details
Louis Bazin Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1950
£5,000
Bazin is one of the best known names in French bow-making. Like Morizot, the work of the earlier members of the family has been slightly devalued by the later workshop production, but Louis Bazin is a superb maker who is finally getting the recognition he deserves. More details
Célestin Emile Clasquin Violin Bow, Paris circa 1930
£3,750
A lovely French bow from one of the less well known makers of the early 20th century – very similar to EF Ouchard in style, also in feel. Robust yet quick on the draw, and pulling a big rounded tone. More details
Louis Morizot Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
£7,000
Louis Morizot’s main claim to fame is his association with Sartory, yet he’s a great maker in his own right. Under his sons, the family name became rather associated with mass production and clunky student bows, but at the time this bow was made, a Morizot was a thing of great refinement and beauty. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1890
Recently sold
No-one would pretend that James Tubbs was a consistent maker, but his best bows are amongst the finest bows ever made. And this rare unmodernised example is unusually good… More details
MSV 119 ¼ size violin
Sold
Sorry, we don’t have photos of this violin. But you can read a review from Skye, who now plays the violin.
Look here for instruments like this which we currently have for sale.
Jan Kulik Violin, Prague circa 1850
£18,000
Jan Kulik is perhaps the most refined maker of the Prague school. His violins are very individual, artistic and yet precise. This is a fine example with a superb sound, loosely based on a Gragnani and carrying a Gragnani label. More details
Etienne Pajeot Violin Bow, Paris 1820-1825
£50,000
Etienne Pajeot is one of the great early French makers, and his bows are highly sought after for their excellent technical qualities. This particular bow is an exceptionally well preserved early example and is highly collectable. More details
Frédéric Chaudière Viola, Montpellier 1990
£18,000
Frédéric Chaudière is one of the most respected of contemporary makers, and his name is known internationally. This is a lovely viola from his earlier period – it’s in good condition and the sound is terrific. More details
Richard Grünke Cello Bow, Bubenreuth circa 1965
£7,000
An exceptional gold-mounted bow in unused condition by one of the most esteemed German makers of the 20th century. More details
Gotthard Schuster Cello Bow, Bubenreuth circa 1970
£3,500
Gotthard Schuster (1903-1987) was a very fine craftsman who enjoyed a long association with Rembert Wurlitzer in New York. This bow is a pristine example of his work. More details
Franz Albert Nürnberger Cello Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1910
£14,500
The Nürnberger family have been producing bows of the highest quality since the mid 19th century. Their aesthetic sense and attention to detail is unrivalled. This is a very rare gold and tortoiseshell cello bow by Franz Albert jun. in excellent condition. More details
Garner Wilson Viola Bow, Dingwall circa 1990
£4,500
Garner ‘Tug’ Wilson was one of the last generation of Hill makers, joining the firm in 1960 and working there until 1966 before setting up on his own in Dingwall, Scotland. More details
Richard Grünke Viola Bow, Bubenreuth circa 1965
£6,000
An exceptional gold-mounted viola bow by one of the most esteemed German makers of the 20th century. More details
August Edwin Prager Viola Bow, Schönlind circa 1920
£3,500
Edwin Prager was a less prolific maker than his brother Gustav, but his work is very refined and slightly more sought after. This is a beautiful example in excellent condition, originally sold by Beare & Son More details
Garner Wilson Viola Bow, Dingwall circa 2000
£3,000
Garner Wilson was one of the last of the Hill makers, and his work embodies the Hill tradition. Made with precision, well balanced, utterly reliable … More details
Etienne Laprevotte Violin, Paris 1825
£11,000 On trial
Etienne Laprevotte is a rare Parisian maker who brought innovation and refinement to an essentially Mirecourt style. He is well documented in the literature as luthier to the Duke of Bordeaux, and principally known as a maker of fine guitars. This is the only violin I have seen of his, and all the more rare for being in excellent condition. More details
Joseph Couturieux Violin, Paris circa 1840
£22,500
Rather like a number 51 bus, you can wait and wait for a Couturieux, and then two come along at once. Very little is known about this maker who worked briefly for JB Vuillaume – as far as I know he didn’t make instruments under his own label, and we know him mainly from his signature found inside this violin and a viola we also have for sale.
More details
Joseph Calot Violin, Paris circa 1815
£65,000
Joseph Calot is a fascinating figure in the history of violin-making. He is best known as a Turin maker for his association/collaboration with Pressenda, but he was also an apprentice in the workshop of Nicholas Lupot, and our violin is a bold variation on Lupot’s Paris style. This is a perfectly preserved example of Calot’s Parisian work, showing exceptional ability. More details
Schwartz Frères Violin, Strasbourg 1841
£18,000
Théophile and Frédéric Schwartz ran a very successful business in Strasbourg in the early 19th century. Frédéric was primarily a bowmaker, and his bows are very highly regarded. Théophile focused on instrument-making, also working to a very high standard, but without achieving the same level of recognition. More details
MSV143 Cello 7/8 2017
Sold
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MSV139 Cello 3/4
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