For sale
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Nicholas Leonard Tourte Violin Bow, Paris circa 1805
£90,000
Tourte is without question the most prestigious name in the history of bow-making. While FX Tourte was largely responsible for the design of bow that we recognize today, his older brother NL or “Tourte l’Ainé” was equally revolutionary. More details
Laberte Workshop Cello Bow, Mirecourt circa 1920
£5,000
The workshops of Marc Laberte produced a huge range of instruments and bows in the early 20th century – their silver-mounted bows are of consistently high quality. More details
Alfred Joseph Lamy Cello Bow, Paris circa 1890
£25,000
Alfred Joseph Lamy stands slightly in the shadow of his teacher and mentor FN Voirin, but I prefer his work. It’s not quite as clinical, and yet it retains the elegance and finesse which characterize these particular makers. Lamy’s cello bows are particularly fine, with the most beautiful elongated head shape. This is a lovely example in very good condition – deep red round section pernambuco stick, silver and ebony mounts with a plain eye and 3-part adjuster. There’s a small and very neat insert to the bottom of the head on the audience side and some minor wear to the back edge of the frog also on the audience side, otherwise no issues to report. More details
MSV Hardanger Fiddle (standard model)
£2,500
Our Hardanger fiddle is a simplified version of a traditional Hardanger, made with a violin scroll and without ornamentation. The body is copied directly from an award-winning instrument by Sveinung Gyovland. This historic instrument had excellent tone and sustain, so we followed the outline, arching and thicknesses faithfully. The result is an affordable Hardanger with a completely authentic sound.
Our Hardanger has 4 sympathetic strings, tune-able with ease thanks to the incorporation of Wittner geared pegs. Principal strings are traditional gut (normally tuned CGCE).
We generally have one of these instruments in stock – we’re also happy to make them to order with 5 sympathetic strings, dragon’s head scrolls, and/or traditional inlaid tailpieces and fingerboards. More details
MSV Stradivarius Pattern Cello
Price on application
Our standard cello is a Stradivarius pattern instrument of manageable proportions … length of back 75.5cm, stop length 281/402mm, and a rib height of 120mm. We use only exceptional timber for these cellos, and the plates are thicknessed for optimal resonance and tonal colour.
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Bohemian Small Viola, circa 1900
£5,000
Probably by a member of the Prokop family, this is a late 19th century Czech viola made on a Maggini model. It’s in great condition apart form a few dents and scuffs to the varnish. A very handy size, it has a dark and fruity sound, slightly melancholic, very musical. More details
Alfred Knoll Viola Bow, circa 1970
£2,500
This is an excellent gold-mounted bow by Alfred Knoll – according to Hartmut Knoll it dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s, although it looks brand new. It’s a very attractive bow of octagonal section red pernambuco, and it plays like a dream, not too stiff, not too slappy – silky would be the best word to describe the action and the sound. I would recommend it for an aspiring soloist – it’s clean, lively and very responsive. And it’s in perfect condition. More details
Roger François Lotte Viola Bow, Mirecourt circa 1970
£4,500
This is a lovely bow by Roger Lotte carrying his own later brand. It’s a classic example of his work with a rounded heel, Parisian eye, and a Simon-like backwards curve to the head. The fine red pernambuco is also typical – round in section, with mounts of silver and ebony. The condition is excellent.
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Nicolas Augustin Chappuy Small Viola circa 1770
£12,000
This is a fine 18th century French viola of the “Vieux Paris” school. It has a very credible Guersan label but in fact it’s the work of Nicolas Chappuy showing many of his trademark touches. More details
John Wilkinson Viola, London circa 1930
£15,000
John Wilkinson was a highly talented English maker of the early 20th century, best known for the copies of classical instruments he made for J&A Beare. This viola is a lovely example of his copy style. More details
WE Hill & Son Viola Bow, London circa 1950
£8,500
Hill bows have a well deserved reputation for consistency of workmanship and for the quality of the sticks. The finest sticks were branded WE Hill & Sons, and the best of those such as this bow were mounted in gold. More details
MSV 102 Violin, (Standard Violin) 2014
£1,700
This is one of a number of prototypes we made from Cremonese patterns when looking for a successful model with a short back length. This particular violin is 35.2cm but with a conventional stop length, and is designed with the smaller player in mind. Like all of our MSV violins, it’s made entirely with hand tools in Reghin, Transylvania, and is finished with an Italian Balsamic varnish. More details
MSV 108 Stradivarius Pattern Violin with Antique Finish, 2014
£1,900
This is a good Stradivarius pattern violin made entirely with hand tools by one of our Hungarian makers in Reghin. The varnish is an “antiqued” finish which we have developed in collaboration with a specialist restorer in Budapest – we continue to refine this process and welcome any feedback. The sound is charming and refined, not the loudest violin we’ve produced but smooth and silky in character, unusually responsive, even with a light technique. More details
MSV 137 Stradivarius Pattern Violin (Artist Violin), 2016
£2,700
This is a Stradivarius pattern violin made entirely with hand tools by one of our Hungarian makers in Reghin, and varnished in our shop in Budapest. It has a two-piece back of closely flamed maple and a rich gold/brown Italian balsamic varnish. The sound of this instrument is sweet and clean, articulate yet friendly. As with all our Artist violins, it has great balance and quick response, and is a delight to play. More details
A Fine German Violin circa 1900
£7,000
This is a very nice example of a “Großstadtgeige”, literally “big city violin” of the sort produced in Berlin towards the end of the 19th century. The workmanship is excellent and the sound is first class. More details
Nicolas Mathieu Violin, Mirecourt circa 1800
£9,000
A fine early Mirecourt violin in mint condition and with an excellent sound More details
Mathias Heinicke, Wildstein bei Eger 1931
£11,000
This is a tremendous violin by the Hungarian-born maker Mathias Heinicke. Heinicke always claimed to have trained under Eugenio Degani, though this hasn’t been verified as far as I know. But whatever the truth of it, his violins show an unusual refinement and individuality, and are generally very successful tonally. More details
Thomas Perry Violin, Dublin circa 1780
£12,500
Thomas Perry is the best known name in Irish violin-making. He lived a long life and ran various busy workshops, employing amongst others John Delaney, Richard Tobin, Vincenzo Panormo (briefly), and of course William Wilkinson of Perry & Wilkinson. Here we have a beautifully preserved example with an outstanding sound from around 1780. More details
Georges Chanot (II) Violin, London 1861
£32,500
The Chanot family have been hugely influential in the history of violin-making, both in France and in England. Georges Chanot II was sent to England by his father in order to stop him misbehaving in Paris – it definitely worked, and he became a consummate and very successful maker. More details
Paul Bailly Violin, London 1890
£25,000
Paul Bailly is definitely the most interesting maker to have come out of the Vuillaume shop, and this is the second of three violins of his which we will be offering. Bailly was a tireless experimenter – he also moved house a lot, working in Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Reims, Leeds, and finally Paris again! More details
Mario Gadda Violin, Mantua 1979
£22,500
Mario Gadda is one of the best-known names in modern Italian violin-making, and this violin is a great sounding example of his own model in excellent condition. More details
Joseph Hel Violin, Lille 1889
£34,500
This is a very fine del Gesu copy by one of the most interesting of late 19th century French makers, Joseph Hel. It’s in unusually fine condition with no cracks or damages. More details
Pierre & Hippolyte Silvestre Violin, Lyon 1844
£50,000
The Silvestres were exceptional makers, and their success owes much to their training with Nicolas Lupot and JB Vuillaume. The two brothers worked together from 1829 until 1848, and this violin is a very fine example of their collaborative work. It’s in an exceptional state of preservation, free from repairs or damages, and with very little wear to the original varnish. More details
Hippolyte Silvestre Violin, Lyon 1862
£57,500
Pierre and Hippolyte Silvestre were exceptional makers, and their success owes much to their training with Nicolas Lupot and JB Vuillaume respectively. The two brothers worked together from 1829 until 1848, and then worked independently – Hippolyte survived his brother by 20 years and produced the greater number of instruments, but both makers are accorded equal status within the trade. This Guarneri model violin is a superb example of Hippolyte’s later work, and it’s in great condition. More details
Gotthard Schuster Violin Bow, Bubenreuth circa 1970
£2,100
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
Louis Morizot Violin Bow for Collin-Mézin, Mirecourt circa 1930
£4,500
Collin-Mézin is one of the best known names in the violin trade, and their violins show great artistry and attention to detail. The bows bearing the firm’s brand are equally desirable – the majority, like this one, made by the Morizot workshop in Mirecourt under the direction of Louis Morizot. More details
Louis Piernot Violin Bow, Paris circa 1925
£5,000
This is an unusually good Piernot bow made for Chanot-Chardon and carrying their brand. It’s in exceptional condition and it plays beautifully. More details
Jean-Jacques Millant Violin Bow, Paris circa 1970
£5,500
This is a very fine Peccatte model violin bow by one of the most popular mid-20th century French makers. The stick is of round section orange pernambuco, the frog mounted in a semi-trench in the style of EA Ouchard. An exceptional bow in great condition. More details
Louis Morizot Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1935
£6,000
Louis Morizot is a rather under-rated maker whose work can be quite outstanding. This bow is a great example in unusually fine condition. More details
Wilhelm Knopf Violin Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1890
£8,000
This is a classic Knopf bow made for the firm of Ludwig Bausch in Leipzig. Many great bows were produced by this shop, either by the Bausch family themselves or by various members of the Knopf family. Johann Wilhelm Knopf (1835-1912) made bows under his own stamp, and from a study of these we are able to establish that he was responsible for this bow. More details
Emile François Ouchard Violin Bow, Mirecourt circa 1930
£8,000
This is one of two superb bows we have by this fine French maker. Ouchard apprenticed to Eugène Cuniot, and ended up running the firm of Cuniot-Hury after Cuniot’s death in 1910. From 1923 onwards, Ouchard worked under his own name along with his son Emile Auguste. More details
WE Hill & Sons Violin Bow, London circa 1935
£8,500
Hill bows are loved the world over for their reliability and exquisite workmanship. Here we have a rare gold mounted Pajeot model bow, probably the work of Sydney Yeoman. More details
Victor Fétique Violin Bow, Paris circa 1920
£13,500
Victor Fétique was an extremely productive maker – the first half of his working life was spent in the employ of CN Bazin and Caressa & Francais, subsequently he ran a busy workshop in his own name, and in 1925 received the honour of “Premier Archetier de France”. More details
Georges Léon Lamy Violin Bow circa 1905
£17,500
Around the turn of the 20th century there was no shortage of great bow-makers in Paris, but Lamy has always been a special name for me. I love the refinement of these bows and their extraordinary sound. They tend not to suit orchestral sluggers, but they have always been popular with players who value expression and nuance. More details
Nicolas Maline Violin Bow, Paris circa 1865
£18,000
Nicolas Maline, also known confusingly as Guillaume Maline, is quite a maverick figure from the Golden period of French bow-making. Even his dates are disputed, as is the question of whether or not he worked for Vuillaume. However, his work is unique and distinctive, and of the highest quality. More details
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