Violin bow by André Richaume, Paris, circa 1955

About André Richaume

André Richaume is considered to be amongst the finest bow makers of the twentieth century. Richaume was born in Mirecourt in 1905 to a family that might fairly be considered archetier royalty: his grandfather was Charles Claude Fétique, makign his uncles Victor and Jules Fétique. He served his apprenticeship in his hometown, likely with Émile Ouchard, before moving to Paris to work for his uncle Victor Fétique.

Richaume set up his own Parisian workshop in 1932, making superb bows in his own confident style. He died aged only 61, having made over 1,000 bows. His most famous client was David Oistrakh, whose son Igor famously gifted him his own Richaume bow as the father loved it so much.

About the violin bow

This bow was made in Paris around 1955.

The octagonal stick measures 732 mm in length and is of excellent quality pernambuco. The mounts are of silver and ebony.

The bow weighs 62 and a half grams.

How does it play?

This is a flexible bow which grips the string nicely. These two qualities in combination make it a very versatile bow which would work brilliantly as a primary bow for a varied performing career. It works very neatly off the string, producing an impressively full tone.

Condition

The bow is in superb condition.

Certification

The bow comes with the certificate of Pierre Guillaume.

More information

For more options, please view other violin bows in this price range.