Musical Instruments & Bows

“Violins and bows are much more than mere objects. They are the product of craftsmanship, an era, and a history that live on in their sound. I love discovering, in each one, the mark of the luthiers who crafted it, the musicians who played it, and the enthusiasts who preserved it. I am particularly proud to showcase these instruments, trace their journey, and pass them on so that the next chapter of their story may be written.”

Enguerran Molmy

An Active Department in the Art and Music Market

A historical specialty of Aguttes, the Instruments & Bows Department highlights the work of the best luthiers and bow makers, showcasing masterpieces whose resonance attests to unique craftsmanship. Fine instruments are always highly sought after and reach record prices at auctions. For example, in June 2022, a Guarnerius “del Gesù” violin sold for 3.3 million euros. Paris, an essential hub in the art and music market, serves as an exceptional showcase for carefully selected items.

Bidders from around the world demonstrate an active market, both nationally and internationally, and a passion for beautiful pieces of our heritage. Enguerran Molmy is well aware of buyers' expectations. He offers instrument trials by appointment and personalized advice. This openness to musicians for quartet instruments, historically reserved for intermediate professionals, gathers a broad community of virtuoso buyers, luthiers, collectors, and enthusiasts, driving up auction prices.

Remarkable Violin and Cello Auctions

From violins to cellos, including violas, from the 18th to the 20th century, signed or anonymous, these lutherie marvels have always fascinated. And where there are strings, there are often bows. It's important not to forget them, as these precious pieces of wood can sometimes be more valuable than the instruments they accompany.

Good to Know: Our Musical Instruments Department organizes two auctions per year in Paris. These auctions follow the calendar of major events dedicated to music and musicians.

Achieving World Records with International Buyers

With its strong communication capabilities and international buyers, Aguttes regularly achieves world records. The house offers unique communication strength and provides sellers with modern and targeted tools for effective international dissemination. We pay special attention to the production of the auction catalog, both in its design and content, whether in paper or fully digital format. During our campaigns, we mobilize buyers from our portfolio across all specialties and identified potential buyers. We communicate with them using various channels; online and offline advertisements, social networks, emailings, media, influencers, auction platforms with quality and adapted supports; image, text, and video...

Free and confidential valuations of musical instruments and bows

Our specialist is at your disposal to appraise your string instruments and bows, offering professional expertise along with guidance on sales or investment.

He travels throughout France and across Europe, in collaboration with our regional representative offices, to provide valuations and appraisals of your string instruments and bows.
Before scheduling an appointment, you can also submit your valuation request—along with a description, photographs, and any available documentation related to your string instruments and bows—via the online valuation request form or directly by email to our specialist.

Contacts

Department manager

Enguerran Molmy

molmy@aguttes.com

+ 33 7 69 02 70 85

Luthiers & bow makers

Paul Blanchard

Cremona

Albert Caressa

Marius Didier

Fagnola

Victor Fétique

Gand & Bernardel

Guarnerius

Glossary of Violin Terms

Emile Mennesson

Luthiers & bow makers

Paul Blanchard

Cremona

Albert Caressa

Marius Didier

Fagnola

Victor Fétique

Gand & Bernardel

Guarnerius

Glossary of Violin Terms

Emile Mennesson

Résultats

Voir tous les résultats

Fraquently Asked Questions

Good photographs can often help prepare an effective initial assessment. Whenever possible, photograph the instrument lying flat, in even natural light, without flash or filters.

These photographs can be used to provide an initial opinion. A physical examination of the instrument remains essential for a reliable and comprehensive assessment.

Several images are essential:

- A full, straight-on view of the front;
- A full, straight-on view of the back;
- Full views of the front, back and sides of the scroll and pegbox;
- Views of the ribs;
- Close-ups of any visible marks, cracks, repairs or damage;
- A clear photograph of the interior label, if visible.

For a bow: photographs of the stick, both ends, and any marks, stamps or signatures.

Do not dismantle the instrument to take photographs.

Any information you have about the instrument may be useful. You do not need to interpret it yourself.

In particular, you can provide:

- The name appearing on the label and the full text of the label;
- Any marks, signatures or stamps;
- The known dimensions of the instrument;
- Any information about its origin or provenance;
- The names of previous owners, if known;
- The date and circumstances in which the instrument was acquired;
- Any previous appraisals or valuations;
- Luthier invoices or documents relating to restorations;
- Any documents relating to its history.

Yes. It is important to provide any documents relating to the instrument.

A valuation certificate, certificate of authenticity, appraisal report, old invoice or any other document accompanying the instrument may provide important information about its identification, history and previous valuations.

Such documents do not necessarily replace a new appraisal, but they are valuable documentary evidence.

Yes. The absence of strings does not prevent an initial examination or valuation.

No. A violin can be photographed and presented without strings.

For a more thorough appraisal, a direct examination of the instrument will make it possible to assess its condition and determine whether any work may be required.

Yes. An instrument that has been damaged, restored or requires extensive work may still retain significant value.

It is therefore advisable not to undertake any repairs or restoration before the appraisal, particularly if you are considering selling the instrument. Its condition and any previous interventions are among the factors that need to be examined.

Yes. The absence of a case is generally not a problem. A case is not usually a determining factor in identifying or valuing a violin.

However, if you have an old case, the original case or any accessories that have always accompanied the instrument, keep them and mention them. They may provide useful information about the instrument's history.

No. A label is an important part of the examination, but it is not sufficient on its own to identify an instrument.

Labels may be old, replaced, moved, imitated, or may simply refer to a particular model or historical attribution. Identification is based on all the characteristics of the instrument, including its condition, craftsmanship, provenance and documentation.

That is not a problem. You do not need to know its maker, period or value to request an initial opinion.

Simply send the photographs you have and accurately transcribe any wording on the label, marks or documents. The identification and interpretation of these elements are then part of the appraisal process.

No. Photographs can generally be used to provide an initial opinion and determine whether further examination is appropriate.

A complete appraisal always requires a physical examination of the instrument, particularly to assess its construction, restorations, condition, materials and certain details that cannot be properly evaluated from photographs alone.

Crémone