It is always a great pleasure to be able to offer this type of exceptional bow. An exceedingly rare example of a “Brevet D’invention” (self rehairing) bow possibly one of the first of this type ever made. A truly top class soloist bow. 72.8 cms in length.
This stick with a different frog and button was sold to a Canadian soloist in the 1960’s by Etienne Vatelot, although there is no paperwork concerning this the family assure me this occurred. Vatelot stated the bow was a self repairing bow made for J. B. Vuillaume by Dominique Peccatte. Over the next six decades the bow fell out of use and was subjected to some harsh treatment so that when it came to us for restoration it was in a rather sorry state. However on restoration it became clear that this stick is earlier than those made by peccatte and through a process of elimination due to what remains original it transpired that the bow is in our opinion by Persoit, who was employed by Vuillaume from 1823.
Letter from the renowned bow maker and expert Michael J. Taylor
Condition
The majority of the stick is in very fine condition, one third of the head remains, the rest of the head is new but continuing the original lines and in keeping with Persoit, for extra strength the head has a clavette running through. Originally a brevet d’invention bow it would have had a plug filled when changed to a normal bow, given this area has been made recently we chose not to put in a plug. The frog and button are recent replica made from measurements from a superb original Persoit.
Certificates.
This bow has a certificate and explanatory letter from Michael Taylor explaining why it is in his opinion by Persoit. It also has a certificate from Jean-Francois Raffin stating the bow is by one of the great masters for J. B. Vuillaume.
At the moment, less than ten of these Persoit bows have been discovered, Paul Childs has written a small booklet with photographs of one Brevet D’ Invention shown. I have discussed my bow with him and this autumn we shall meet up in either Paris or central France to further evaluate its significance. I am grateful for Paul’s article for Tarisio as it shows several fine photos showing details both bows share that are most telling.
