A Collector’s Guide to French Violin Bows: From Workshop Secrets to Rising Values
When it comes to string instruments, violins are usually straightforward to trace: either they’re made by a specific maker and bear his or her label, or they come from a workshop and carry a clear “atelier” stamp. Violin bows, however, can be a different story altogether.
In the 20th century, French bow making flourished, producing an astonishing range of bows — but sometimes also a great deal of confusion!
Many bows weren’t stamped with the actual maker’s name at all. Instead, they were sold unbranded to violin makers or dealers, who would apply their own stamp. In some cases, several different bow makers supplied the same shop, meaning that the name engraved on the side of your bow doesn’t always tell you who actually crafted it.
Take Charles Louis Bazin, for example. One of the great Mirecourt makers, Bazin supplied bows to at least sixteen violin dealers, including Paul Buescher and Roger & Max Millant. But so did the celebrated Morizot Frères. As a result, a bow stamped “Paul Buescher” could in fact be by Bazin, by one of the Morizot brothers, or even by a lesser-known contemporary. The only way to know for sure is through detailed examination of the bow’s proportions, fittings, and craftsmanship.
This is why collectors and players alike place so much trust in specialist expertise. Subtle details — such as the type of heel plate joint, the pins in the underslide, or even the diameter of the pearl eyes — can make all the difference in identifying a bow’s true maker.
A few other well known examples or Dealers / Makers who stamped bows made by others:
• Roger & Max Millant – sold bows by Bazin, Morizot Frères, François Lotte, Ouchard, etc.
• Collin-Mezin – bows supplied by Morizot Père/Frères, Bazin, Cuniot-Hury.
• Victor Fétique – although an amazing maker himself, he also stamped bows supplied by others including Morizot Père and Ouchard.
• Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (J.T.L.) – produced bows in-house but also bought large numbers from Bazin and some from J-J Martin.
⸻
Some C20th century makers to Know
Several French bow-making families and individuals left their mark on the 20th century. Here are just a few whose work continues to attract both players and collectors:
• The Lotte Family
François Lotte (1889–1970) and his son Roger François (1922–1989) produced bows for major Parisian firms as well as under their own names. Today, bows by either father or son are increasingly sought after, their values having risen steeply in recent years.
• Marc Laberte
Active from the 1920s to 1960, Laberte produced a wide range of bows. His silver-mounted examples, branded Marc Laberte or sometimes V.J. Ferelli, are still considered a smart purchase for players.
• The Morizot Dynasty
Louis Joseph Morizot (1874–1957), known as Morizot Père, trained with Cuniot-Hury and Charles Nicolas Bazin before establishing his own workshop. Later joined by his five sons, the Morizot Frères became a powerhouse of bow making in Mirecourt. Their bows, often stamped L. Morizot, are admired for their playability and are still accessible in price compared with some of their contemporaries.
• The Bazin Family
Perhaps the most prolific dynasty of all, spanning François Xavier Bazin (d.1865) through Charles Alfred Bazin (1907–1987). Bows by Charles Nicolas Bazin are especially prized, while those by Louis and Charles Alfred represent excellent playing tools and increasingly sound investments.
• The Ouchards
Emile François Ouchard (known as Ouchard Père) began in the Cuniot-Hury workshop and set up his own shop in 1923. His son, Emile Auguste Ouchard, later worked in Paris and Chicago, producing bows now admired for their power and elegance. His golden period is often cited as 1940–1960.
• Cuniot-Hury
Eugène Cuniot, known as Cuniot-Hury, was a pivotal maker who influenced the likes of Bazin and Ouchard. His bows, stamped Cuniot-Hury or C.H., remain well-balanced and distinctive.
⸻
Why Collect French Bows Today?
For players, French bows of this period often offer an unbeatable mix of craftsmanship, tone, and value. For collectors, they represent a growing market: while top Sartorys or Peccattes already command five or six-figure prices, the bows of Bazin, Morizot, Lotte, and Laberte are still within reach — but climbing steadily.
The key is understanding provenance. The stamp alone rarely tells the whole story. But with expert guidance, a French bow from this “golden century” can be both a joy to play and a wise investment.
⸻
👉 At Cantabile Fine Bows, we’re passionate about helping players and collectors navigate this fascinating world. If you’d like to know more about investing in French bows, feel free to get in touch — we often have examples of the makers mentioned above.