Jean-Joseph Martin: Fine French bow, c.1880 (certificate by J.-F. Raffin)

French violin bow by Jean-Joseph Martin, Mirecourt, circa 1880 – for professional musicians, with a certificate from J. F. Raffin

This excellent French violin bow by Jean-Joseph Martin (1837-1910) is the perfect choice for professional playing, due to its optimally distributed weight and highly developed, differentiated bounce – a work of high artistic artistic rank, created at the end of the best phase of this tragic master's work.

At the height of a life of toil, around the year 1880, this fine violin bow was created by Jean-Joseph Martin – a powerful and inspiringly beautiful masterpiece of unmistakable French provenance. This Jean-Joseph Martin violin bow attests to the craftsmanship and musical quality of its maker, who had taken a great leap forward in these years – and tragically failed. Coming from the poorest of circumstances, the highly talented student of Nicolas Rémy Maire quickly rose through the ranks in the workshop of the great Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and was able to establish himself with great success in his hometown of Mirecourt in 1863. From 1870, he helped to establish the bow-making division at Thibouville-Lamy and five years later founded a cooperative in which Emile Mennesson, who came from Reims and had a successful brand called "J. Guarini", also participated. It is not known why this promising venture failed, but Jean-Joseph Martin was forced to file for bankruptcy through no fault of his own after only a few years – around the time this violin bow was made, which is perhaps one of the last pieces from the most successful period of his life. The frog and the firm and active, round Amourette stick of this nickel-mounted work according to Vuillaume show the finest craftsmanship – Martin had gotten to know Vuillaume and his school during his time in Paris like only a few bow makers of his generation. Not least because of the perfectly distributed weight, the bow proves to be the perfect choice for professional players, to whom it opens up wide creative possibilities thanks to its well-developed, differentiated bounce. A certificate from the well-known expert on French bows, Jean-François Raffin, confirms that this outstanding masterpiece is an authentic work by Jean-Joseph Martin – which we offer in the best, immediately playable condition, highly recommended to discerning musicians.

Jean-Joseph Martin violin bow, Mirecourt, circa 1880 – short description

• French violin bow for professional use
• Authentic piece from the best period of Jean-Joseph Martin's work
• With certificate from expert J.-F. Raffin
• Optimal weight distribution
• High, differentiated spring

We provide free shipping on this bow, and it is covered by our 30-day return policy and trade-in guarantee.