French violin bow, Charles Louis Bazin (J.F. Raffin)

This French violin bow by Charles Louis Bazin (1881-1953) is a late piece he made after 1945, and it pays full honour to its heritage from the famous Mirecourt family ateliers. The bow fits well in the hand, is very responsive and is excellent for active play with its bright, clear, powerful sound. Its lovely round stick was made of reddish-brown pernambuco and features good strength and elasticity. The head was patterned after the swan's-head model; the rounded ebony frog with nickel silver fittings is decorated by a Parisian eye and a mother-of-pearl slide. The button also ends with a Parisian eye. At a length of 74.6 cm, the bow weighs 58.1 g and has its balance point in the lower third towards the centre. It was worked over by our luthiers and is offered ready to play. The bow bears a stamp that reads “Vanelli”; its provenance and value are confirmed by a certificate of appraisal from the French bow-making expert J.-F. Raffin