Here at Peter Hembrough Bows we have been dealing in bows for a shocking 44 years, however only in the last twenty years have we been dealing in bows by Dominique Peccatte. The reason is straightforward, fine examples are always keenly fought over and command high prices. They are the Stradivarius of the bow world with a unique feel in the hand that draws from an instrument colours and nuances never before experienced, no surprise then that most of the greatest players from the last century spent their lives playing on one.
After twenty years of dealing in these beautiful bows it was time to look for an even more desirable example, one using his wonderful deep red pernambuco. Roughly 15% of his bows are made from this wood, amongst players well versed in Peccatte these bows are the ones they covet!
After a five year search this bow was found in rural France, it comes with two certificates, one from Jean-Francois Raffin, the other, seen below, by the master restorer and expert Michael Taylor.
Made circa 1845 we find Peccatte is at his zenith, universally considered the best living maker he was the most sought after maker in Paris. He is working at 18, rue d’angevilliers, the site of Lupot’s old shop. In 1847 Peccatte decides to return to Mirecourt, his place of birth, being now successful he can supply his bows to dealers like J. B. Vuillaume and Gand in Paris from there.
What can be said about Peccatte? His model is close to perfection, his hand eye co-ordination is clearly remarkable. He is a fast worker, utterly secure in his abilities. This can be seen because of the wilful way he makes, he is not concerned if areas are imperfect. Indeed, these areas you look for in a correct example. I sold one Peccatte from Japan with an exaggerated flat spot just after the lapping, as if the bow had been squashed! He clearly wanted to use the wood even though there was only just enough!
This bow has slightly longer octagonal facets than usual, they are also slightly exaggerated on the two vertical facets. He is not concerned with detail, but more in the flow of the spirit of each bow, it’s spontaneity. Perhaps this quick way of artistic endeavour is his secret.
Please do watch this bow in action below, the piece is very tricky from a technical point of view. The reason I recorded this challenging piece is to draw attention to just how much this bow helps the player. It is also interesting to note before restoration this bow had laid unused for about fifty years, so it shall continue to improve the more it is used.
Tarrega. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Condition
The original wood is to the end of the thumb band with a fork splice the length of the lapping, with enormous surface area plus the lapping it is utterly secure and of no concern. This bow is throughout the length of the stick ALL by him, the handle is also by Peccatte with a superb PECCATTE stamp, please see the photo on this page of both parts before being put together.
This repair has not changed the playing credentials in any way, it just makes the bow more affordable. The crown of the head has a little wear, otherwise the stick is in beautiful condition.
It has a new frog and button by the great restorer Michael Taylor, bench replicas from another original from the same period.
An incredible bit of good fortune enabled me to marry an original Peccatte handle to the Peccatte stick, both from the same era and with very similar pernambuco, making a totally secure beautiful and now whole Dominique Peccatte stick subsequently certified by Jean Francois Raffin as such.