I am always delighted when I have a new Richaume to sell, they are just super bows made from often the finest Pernambuco. This bow just happens to be the best I have ever seen, with beautiful wood and from his best period (1950-1960). Made in 1955 this was the year he was awarded Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (the highest award honour awarded to craftsmen in France).
Interestingly the Richaume Oistrakh played on from 1956-1974 was also from this year of production. Routinely in the £20,000-£30,000 price bracket this bow, which has some restoration near the lapping is offered at a lower figure accordingly. The repair (difficult to see) is totally secure.
I should point out to the regular visitors to this site that although stock can seem static I am in fact constantly re stocking with the same makers. This is the fourth Richaume I have offered for sale in recent years, the others were sold to either other dealers in London and Paris or soloist. Indeed, one of the UK's leading soloist is playing on a Richaume at the moment.
From a playing point of view the bow is a delight, with a bright crisp sound and fine articulation abilities. A bow that gives you the impression that you can control your phrasing and add nuance. The pictures don't really do justice to the beauty of this stick, the figure and profile is remarkably elegant.
The frog and button are first class replica fittings by one Michael Taylor (the maker of the famous caprice bows). Identical in all areas to Richaume's own fittings that were sadly lost when this bow was damaged. Indeed the damage on this bow was most unusual in that it looked like a vindictive act of vandalism. Needless to say, it is a delight to see the bow back to its former glory, and, a rare opportunity.