Jean Pierre Marie Persoit born between 29th Sept. 1783 and 28th. Sept 1784 - died 1854.

The bows of this rare and wonderful maker have reached mythical status due to their tremendous playing capabilities. Persoit, for some years (around 1809-1815) lived on Rue de Prouvaires, one of the most fashionable streets at the time, close to the great Francois Xavier Tourte. Indeed, given that their shops were but a short walk from one to the other it is inconceivable that they did not know of each other.

This bow, circa 1825 is branded thus twice. Once under the frog and again under the lapping. Dating this bow is relatively straightforward as he stopped making octagonal bows around 1830 but only began branding around 1825.

Late to bow making it is speculated that he was involved in the metal working trade as many of his family were either gilders or gold plating specialists. In early 1826 Persoit began to train a certain Dominique Peccatte, a maker who went on to greatness.

Persoit was one of the first great makers to have a working association with J. B. Vuillaume, making a small number of bows for him, these bows are branded with a small brand that Vuillaume used generally inside his violins.

His bows, along with Jacob Eury are considered by most to be equal to the great maker Francois Xavier Tourte. Indeed there are far fewer examples of Persoit bows in comparison to Tourte. Most recently the ex - Leila Josefowitz Persoit sold for £48,000 hammer in auction. This bow is a remarkable example as can be seen from the pictures. It has a large repair to the stick lowering the price and offers a rare opportunity to the serious soloist