Violin bow, Mirecourt, c. 1840
This violin bow has now sold.
About Mirecourt bows
This violin bow was made in Mirecourt, one of the centres of French instrument making, around 1840. Mirecourt is considered to be the birthplace of French luthiery, having become a centre for luthiers as early as the end of the sixteenth century.
About the bow
The bow weighs 62 grams and the stick measures 736 mm. The mounts are of nickel and ebony.
The Mirecourt style is evident in two main ways in this bow. The frog and button are very reminiscent of the work of Joseph Gaudé, and the stick is more similar to the work of Charles Joseph Théodore Guinot.
The bow is made from ironwood, one of my favourite types of wood. Ironwood is a catch-all term for a number of different species of dense, hardwood tree. Most importantly, this wood behaves incredibly similarly to pernambuco and I have often found that it sounds as good or even better than sticks of the more common wood.
How does it play?
This is a strong stick which draws the higher overtones out of the violin. It would be a particularly good match for a powerful instrument, or in a setting where a good deal of power is required. The bow would also bring out the best in a violin which lacks a little clarity.
The bow has good response and works well off the string.
Condition
The bow is in good condition.