Alfred Lamy Pere Violin Bow Paris c.1910

This bow was made by Joseph Alfred Lamy (père) in Paris, around 1910. Joseph Alfred Lamy, born in 1850 in Mirecourt, was one of the most prominent bowmakers of his generation. He began his apprenticeship at the age of 12 in the workshop of Claude Charles Nicolas Husson and in 1876 he moved to Paris to assist François Nicolas Voirin, subsequently establishing his own workshop in Paris in 1885. His legacy is not only contained in his own incredible oeuvre which is greatly sought after among performers across the globe, but also through his student Eugène Sartory who carried the torch of Lamy's style and standard into the 20th Century. 

This violin bow is stamped "A. Lamy a Paris" and weighs 63.5 grams. It has a round stick of pernambuco measuring 74.8cm in length, and has a silver lapping and leather grip. The frog is made from ebony and mounted in silver, with a pearl eye and a three-part button of silver and ebony. It is in good condition and sold with one of Bernard Millant's last certificates.

It has an strong, springy stick which gives a sensation of support and responsiveness up through the hand, and excels both on and off the string. This strength is best characterised in its legato, which allows for every division of the bow to be imbued with character and interest, and which requires very little effort to maintain, even at very slow bow speeds. Spiccato and sautillé are readily accessible, and the bow has overall a very quick action and response. It is best suited to performers at a professional level, and would be comfortable in all different forms of playing. 

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this wonderful French bow.