Tortoiseshell restoration

It is no longer possible to use Tortoiseshell in bow making. This is a correct and necessary action to protect the Hawksbill sea turtle in particular. However using old stock of tortoiseshell up in restoration is totally acceptable and ecologically sound.


Below are some small parts of Tortoiseshell that are available for highly skilled restoration. So if you have a treasured bow with a tortoiseshell frog that needs restoration here is a very rare opportunity to have it looking as good as new whilst being ecologically friendly.

Tortoiseshell restoration bow parts

Voirin visits for one day

Here are some delightful details from a relatively early Francois Nicholas Voirin that was sold the moment I mentioned it on the website. This quick response I totally understand as from a playing point of view these Vuillaume period Voirin bows are just ideal for players working in chamber ensembles. Indeed, the bow is travelling to Sweden to be with its new owner, a recitalist and chamber musician

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Delightful Joseph Arthur Vigneron pere arrives circa 1895

Increasingly difficult to source here is a rare opportunity indeed, careful scrutiny of the photo below shows it has the most attractive figure the length of the bow.

It is probably the only one of its type and is highly collectable. There is very minor damage near the head and this is secured by some nylon binding. Complete with a Raffin certificate, weighing 59.9g this is a wonderful bow by one of the greatest makers,

Available now with our easy payment scheme

£6,500

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Bernard Millant 1929-2017

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This month we remember our true friend....the wonderful Bernard Millant

Every moment with him was a pure joy, an adventure together, of discovery and pleasure.  For people outside the close knit dealer community it is tempting to think of dealers as people who are fond of money.  For the true dealer this is not the case, necessary yes, funding for the next purchase. The true dealer is trying all the time to learn and help others discover the wonderful world of french bow making at its best.

There is one more, very important attribute to being a fine dealer and that is friendship with your colleagues from all over the world.  I have known many for over twenty-five years now, I value their help and friendship keenly.

This month we have a delightful Viola bow made recently by Michael J Taylor, in mint unused condition.  A superb Francois Xavier Tourte model made by the United Kingdom's greatest living maker.  As Bernard said....'Michael is one of the best'...I could not agree more.

Of course after the sale of the last two early Sartory bows a few weeks ago I have a new Sartory with a clavette repair to the head from 1905-1908 period, just sensational in all respects. The Taylor is £4,800 the Sartory £10,000. Both rather rare they won’t be here too long!