Author Archives: Anna
Victor Fétique Cello Bow, Paris circa 1930
£18,000
Another lovely cello bow by one of the more reliable 20th century makers. This example is very strong – the condition is excellent apart from a chip in the end of the stick by the adjuster and a bit of repairwork to the back plate. More details
EF&EA Ouchard Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1930
£11,000
This is a very fine bow from the EF Ouchard workshop, showing the hand of his supremely talented son EA Ouchard, and branded “Villaume Freres” (a dealership in Nancy). A very strong yet nimble stick, and in great condition barring a few minor scratches More details
EF Ouchard Viola Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
£10,000
Emile F Ouchard is a highly underestimated maker, – here we have a great viola bow with the playing qualities so typical of this make – a strong yet very articulate stick, and a broad but focused sound. This is a well used bow with a slight dent behind the head on the audience side, otherwise in excellent condition. More details
Caspar Strnad Violin, Prague circa 1790
£25,000
Caspar Strnad is in my opinion one of the most undervalued makers in the entire history of violin-making. His instruments are always wonderful players, easily out-performing most Italian violins of the period. Here we have a great sounding example in fine condition, with the possible exception of an alteration to the lower soundholes. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1885
£12,000
We are serious fans of James Tubbs, and we sell more bows by him than by any other maker. This is a very typical example of his middle period work, with the rounded ferrule, long adjuster and silver face that are his hallmarks. Some wear to the handle and the thumb projection, in good condition overall and an excellent player. More details
Victor Fétique Cello Bow, Paris circa 1925
£19,500
Victor Fétique is a hugely popular maker – still relatively affordable, his bows are always beautifully executed yet functional. This cello bow has had a good deal of use but remains in very good condition. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1870
£15,000
Although unbranded, this early Tubbs bow was most likely made for WE Hill & Son. It has all the strong characteristics of Tubbs’ work at this time – it’s very precisely made using beautiful and heavily flamed pernambuco. The condition is outstanding. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1895
£13,500
This is a classic middle period Tubbs bow in excellent condition. The pernambuco has a dramatic flame and the pearl eye is unusually bold – very appealing to look at and a great player too. More details
James Tubbs/WE Hill Violin Bow, London circa 1880
£12,000
This is a fine early period James Tubbs, made for Hills and bearing their brand on both sides of the handle. Unusually light in colour for a Tubbs – some minor condition issues but otherwise a stunning bow from this great if erratic maker. More details
Alecio Reis Violin Bow, Brazil/UK 2014
£800
Alecio Reis is a Brazilian bowmaker based in Cheltenham, UK. He has access to some superb pernambuco! This is a very attractive bow which he made for us a few years ago – it has been well used and much loved, but its owner has recently ugraded with us. We’re delighted to offer it again … More details
Joseph Arthur Vigneron Violin Bow, Paris circa 1895
£18,000
Joseph-Arthur Vigneron is another of the great names in French bow-making. Like so many of the better late 19th century makers he worked for Gand & Bernardel before setting up on his own. He developed his own very successful model, rather more masculine than Voirin or Lamy, always beautifully proportioned. More details
Jean Joseph Martin Violin Bow, Paris circa 1870
£12,000
Jean Martin was one of the extraordinary team of makers assembled by JB Vuillaume, and his bows very often follow the Vuillaume model. This is a more personal creation with a distinctive head – very unusually it bears an authentic Dominique Peccatte brand. The bow is in near perfect condition. More details
Dominique Peccatte Viola Bow, Paris circa 1845
Price on application
Dominique Peccatte is one of the greatest French makers, second only to FX Tourte in the eyes of the world. Here we have a very rare viola bow in near mint condition, very strong and perfectly weighted. The original plain ebony mounts are supplied with the bow. More details
A French Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1890
£2,000
This is a very attractive French violin bow made in Mirecourt, branded J Hel a Lille. It’s in fine condition and it draws an excellent sound. More details
Claude Thomassin Violin Bow, Paris circa 1905
£15,000
Claude Thomassin was a very prolific maker whose bows are as much admired for their playing qualities as for their elegance. This is a lovely example, strong yet refined, and in excellent condition. More details
Marcel Lapierre Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1950
£4,250
Marcel Lapierre is a highly under-rated French maker, and his bows represent exceptional value for money. This is a beautifully preserved example with great playing qualities. More details
Louis Morizot Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1930
£6,500
Louis Morizot is best known for his collaboration with Sartory. He made bows of all qualities, both uder his own name and for the trade, and his best creations are of the highest quality. More details
Nicolas Simon Violin Bow, Paris circa 1840
£27,000
Nicolas Simon (also known as Simon Fr.) is a superb maker whose life and origins are still poorly documented. All we can say with certainty is that he made exceptional bows broadly in the style of Peccatte. More details
Eugène Sartory Violin Bow, Paris circa 1925
£28,500
Everyone knows the name Sartory, indeed he is probably the most popular maker of all time! Here we have a very fine example from his best period, beautifully presented and in great condition. More details
Michael Taylor Violin Bow for Ealing Strings, London 1989
£4,750
Michael Taylor is a great contemporary maker who spent most of his working life at Ealing Strings. Now living and working in Spain, Michael continues to make bows of unusual beauty. More details
Emile Auguste Ouchard Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
£16,000
Emile Auguste Ouchard is perhaps the only 20th century French maker to rival Sartory in his appeal to musicians. His bows show a rare understanding of the needs of players, and they are highly appreciated. More details
Emile Ouchard Cello Bow, Mirecourt circa 1925
Recently sold
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
Hippolyte Camille Lamy Violin Bow, Paris circa 1920
£16,000
This is a typically elegant bow by HC Lamy (Fils), very close in style to the work of his father Joseph Alfred Lamy, and in excellent condition. More details
James Tubbs Violin Bow, London circa 1900
Recently sold
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
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
£4,500
An exceptional gold mounted HR Pfretzschner violin bow in near perfect condition – and a big sound. More details
Roze Viola, Orléans 1758
Recently sold
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
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
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
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 Pierre Marie Persoit Violin Bow, Paris circa 1830
£85,000
Jean Persoit is one of the most hallowed names in bow-making, and the reputation of his bows amongst soloists is only exceeded by FX Tourte. Here we have a fantastic composite bow, all parts by Persoit, the stick very close to Tourte in design. It also has a certificate by the world’s leading Persoit authority, Paul Childs 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
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
Edwin Herrmann Violin Bow, Schönlind circa 1930
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
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 On trial
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
Recently sold
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
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
Recently sold
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
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 On trial
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
Recently sold
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 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
MSV143 Cello 7/8 2017
Sold
Sorry we don’t have photos of this cello.
Look here to see the cellos we have in stock at present.
MSV139 Cello 3/4
Sold
Sorry we don’t have photos of this cello.
Look here to see the cellos we have in stock at present.
Scotland, London and Online
Tonal specialist • Worldwide service • Trial periods
