La revue
A VERY RARE VIOLIN BOW
BY VICTOR FÉTIQUE, MADE AROUND 1925

Born in Mirecourt in 1872, Victor François Fétique stands among the great French masters of bow making. The son of the luthier Charles Claude Fétique, he first trained under Charles Claude Husson, then with Sigisbert Maline, Paul Émile Miquel, and Charles Nicolas Bazin.

In 1901, he moved to Paris where he worked for more than ten years at the Caressa et Français workshop; the evolution of his style was then marked by the influence of his workshop colleague Claude Thomassin. Victor Fétique then established his own workshop in 1913, setting up in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

A prolific author, Victor Fétique's career was hailed with numerous awards and medals; he notably received the title of "Best Bow Maker in France" at the Paris Exhibition in 1927. Bows crafted by Victor Fétique, as well as those made by his brother Jules and his nephew André Richaume, are among the most remarkable works of the French school from the early 20th century.

The specimen that we have the privilege of offering on June 3rd during our dedicated auction of string instruments and bows is a magnificent and very rare example of the work of this great French Master. Made around 1925, it is distinguished by a superb octagonal stick made of pernambuco wood mounted with a tortoiseshell and gold frog, as well as its perfect state of preservation. Preciously preserved, it retains its original fittings, including the plate, mother-of-pearl, and screw-nut system, making this exceptional bow a prized piece for any virtuoso and discerning collector.

Among a remarkable selection of instruments including an exceptional violin by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and by makers such as Eugène Sartory, Nicolas Maline, Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre, Émile Auguste Ouchard, and Joseph Arthur Vigneron, we will also present another magnificent bow by Victor Fétique, an exhibition model marked with the brand "Exposition Bruxelles 1924".


A Very Rare French Gold & Tortoiseshell-Mounted Violin Bow by Victor Fétique, circa 1925
This Bow is in Mint Condition and has its Original Head Plate, Screw, Lapping and Mother of Pearl
Weight: 63 g
Length: 73.4 cm
Perfect state

Upcoming Instruments & bows of the quartet auction
3 June 2024

For any further information or to include a lot in our upcoming auctions, please contact
Hector Chemelle
+33 7 69 02 70 85 - chemelle@aguttes.com