Pierre Simon violin bow, circa 1835

A rare French violin bow made, in our opinion, by Pierre Simon circa 1835. The ironwood stick is unbranded and mounted with ebony and nickel fittings. All parts are original and in excellent condition.

Among the most important French bow makers of the 19th century, Pierre Simon (1808–1881) was born in Mirecourt. After apprenticing in his hometown, he moved to Paris in 1838 to study with Dominique Peccatte, and in 1840, Simon joined the famed workshop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It was in this workshop where he absorbed a wide variety of styles and models, including “self-rehairing” and “picture” bows. Simon established his own business around 1844, later taking over the Peccatte workshop in 1848, and he briefly partnered with another Peccatte student, Joseph Henry. Working independently after 1851, Simon continued to make violin bows for Vuillaume as well as numerous other French firms including Gand frères, Gand & Bernardel, George Chanot, and Bernardel et Fils. Extremely versatile in his making style, Simon built successful bows in various patterns and weights. His bows are very highly sought after by players and collectors alike.

Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Paul Childs