In 2017 when the late and great Bernard Millant passed away his good friend and colleague of many years wrote that Bernard was probably in heaven deep in conversation with both Francois Tourte and Dominique Peccatte about their bows!
Read MoreBernard Millant 1929-2017
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!
Stunning early Lafleur bow stays for three days before being sold
Here is a wonderful example of one of the very best early makers Joseph Rene Lafleur. Made around 1830 there is something magical about the best bows from this period in that the makers are aware of the dominance of the great Francois Xavier Tourte, He is at this point still making and a major influence in Paris, he died in 1835.
At the same time each great maker is searching to find their own model, often a variant on Tourte. At first sight some of these concepts may seem not to be aesthetically perfect, thinking of say Persoit. This is of course an error. We must just train our eyes to understand more. Once the initial ignorance has lifted thus great beauty is encountered. Ignorance is a dangerous presence when studying bows and makers output.
This bow is travelling next week to its lucky new owner, a recitalist and quartet leader in northern Spain, He will enjoy the companionship of a superb and extremely rare bow in his musical endeavours and I wish him, and the bow well.
Francois Xavier Tourte leaves for Tokyo
It was always going to happen! Being such a rare and early example I knew that I would not own this bow for long. I wish it a happy new life in Japan where I hope it will play on a fine Cremonese instrument.
As you can see from this picture the bow has a tremendous line and style, oozing class.
Of course it was a joy to play on, utterly unique in feel it allowed you to phrase at ease with wonderful nuance. From circa 1790 it is testament to the brilliance of these great Parisienne makers.
Regular visitors to this site shall be pleased to know that there are two wonderful bows soon to be offered for sale. A wonderful circa 1850 Pierre Simon and an extremely rare Persoit.
Francois Xavier Tourte makes €88,000 despite being broken in half
A superb Tourte bow sold in the Vichy December auction for a record-breaking €88,000 despite a large break in the middle of the stick. Can you see where the repair is?
Read MoreJust what bows did the great players use?
This is a common question that occurs quite frequently from requests from all around the globe. So below is the beginning of the definitive list. Most players have a stable of bows (Oistrakh used to buy a bunch on his trips to Paris) but also tend to have a favourite that they use more than others
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