Violin bow by Hippolyte Camille Lamy, Paris, circa 1925

About Hippolyte Camille Lamy

Born in 1875, Hippolyte Camille Lamy was the son of the bowmaker Joseph Alfred Lamy. Confusingly, he was his parents' fourth child but the first one to train as a bowmaker, hence often being referred to as Lamy 1er fils - the first son. Another son, Georges Léon, also became a bow maker of great renown but died young in the First World War.

Hippolyte Camille joined his father's workshop in 1890, first as an apprentice and then afterwards as his assistant and collaborator. The bows from the early period are very similar to his father's work, however he began to develop his own slightly broader model from around 1905. Father and son continued to work together until the former's death in 1919, after which Hippolyte Camille became the head of the workshop. His output was prolific and the workshop was highly successful, though from 1930 onwards his deteriorating eyesight started to make itself shown in his work.

About the violin bow

This bow was made in Paris around 1925.

The round stick is of excellent quality pernambuco and measures 731 mm in length. The mounts are of silver and ebony.

The bow weighs 64 grams.

How does it play?

This is a very smooth bow which has a rounded, sophisticated tone. It really encourages its player to use every inch of the bow and works particularly crisply off the string.

Condition

The bow is in good condition with some playing wear.

Certification

The bow comes with the certificates of both Jean François Raffin and Pierre Guillaume.

More information

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