Born in Mirecourt in 1810, Dominique Peccatte is among the legendary names in French bow making, alongside François-Xavier Tourte, Étienne Pajeot, and Nicolas Maire.

Initially starting as an apprentice wigmaker, he moved to Paris in 1826 to work in the workshop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and learn the art of lutherie. Under the direction of Jean Pierre Marie Persoit, he later turned to bow making. Thanks to Persoit's influence and expertise, Peccatte became a leading craftsman.

Around 1836, he left Vuillaume to work for François Lupot, taking over the workshop after Lupot's death in 1838, marking the peak of his production. In 1847, he returned to Mirecourt, where he continued to craft bows until the last years of his life, passing away in 1874.

As a prolific and spontaneous creator, Peccatte's style skillfully blends the influences of Persoit and Tourte. His bows are known for their square heads and sticks with exceptional playing qualities, highly sought after today, capable of meeting the demands of the greatest soloists.

The bow we have the privilege to present on November 27th during our upcoming sale dedicated to instruments and bows of quartet is an exceptional example of the work of this great French Master. Original in all its main parts and made around 1850, marking the beginning of his greatest period of production. The stick, made of superb Pernambuco wood, is fitted with its frog and screw made of ebony and silver, in excellent condition, including its original mother-of-pearl. Featuring sound and playing qualities equaling to its beauty, this remarkable bow has been carefully preserved and protected by its owner, who played it with a copy frog, included in the lot. We believe that this jewel of our national heritage will garner the enthusiasm and attention it deserves from virtuosos and discerning collectors.


An Exceptional French Silver-Mounted Violin Bow by Dominique Peccatte, circa 1850
60 000 - 80 000 €

Auction on Monday 27 November 2023 at 2.30 pm
Click here to discover the catalogue

For further information, please contact
Hector Chemelle
+33 7 69 02 70 85
chemelle@aguttes.com