The main auction at Vichy this year had just under five hundred lots, mostly of the lower end of the market but with some excellent rare pieces here and there.
In earlier years this sale has brought to light some first class bows, however this year’s sale showed that it is becoming difficult to source bows of quality.

There were three average Emile Auguste Ouchard bows for sale, increasingly rare to find these went for €10,000, €12,000 and €13,000 somewhat of a bargain.

Stars included

• A Sartory cello bow, Gold mounted and in mint condition it sold for €60,000

• A Tourte violin bow went for €50,000

• A Nicholas Maire for €37,000

• A Dominique Peccatte with a clavette went for €20,000

• A Dominique Peccatte cello bow in mint condition sold for €102,000

The Peccatte cello bow was bought by a large institution and it is thought the bow will be lent to soloists sparingly over the next few years. There was a strong representation of dealers from South Korea and China showing a willingness to pay a great deal for the top makers.