Here is a superb example of this great makers work at his zenith, stamped ‘Gand frères’ it is made from exquisite pernambuco and is original in all areas.. Early in its use it suffered a break to the head and lay unused in a workshop for many decades. It has recently had a clavette repair to the head and is utterly secure for use. This is a rare opportunity to own a soloist level violin bow on a budget. It was a recent sale of an Henry to a well known leader of a top European orchestra that the new owner said ‘Henry is the type of maker you would like to go down to the pub with!’ I understand exactly what he meant, his bows are so user friendly.
As a child, one of my first reference books was ‘Bows and Bow makers’ by William C. Retford, a lovely, informative book. In the book Retford states ‘Following Tourte and his successors are the bows of the Peccatte school. The Peccatte is now the fashionable bow. Henry, Peccatte and Simon form a popular trio, Henry being the best’.
Around 1851, aged twenty-eight he set up his shop at 8 Rue des Vieux Augustins, five houses away from J. B. Vuillaume with whom he had a working relationship. In this period (1845-1855) he made his most beautiful bows, many for the Gand freres, this bow is stamped Gand freres, including some in Tortoiseshell and silver with ‘flower basket’ exquisite inlays. From 1856 he changes his head model to a less elegant more rounded model, although still fine playing bows, just not as attractive. A sensational bow by a great maker from his best period with his top quality pernambuco , about as good as a bow can be! Another delight with this bow is the quality of the original fittings, Henry has a strong masculine view of how a frog should be in concept, this particular one is just fabulous, so strong and full of character. The bow lapped in tinsel as the maker preferred weighs 56 grams, it can be up to 59 if necessary using solid silver wire lapping.
It is increasingly difficult to source this beautiful makers bows, the serious violinist has to use a little lateral thinking, yes this seems expensive, but given his bows with no damage are routinely now hitting £60-£70k then it is an opportunity to own and play on an Henry thus enriching your whole career and playing experience, what price should you put on that?
Certificate
This bow has a recent certificate from Jean-Francois Raffin.
Raffin.
The pernambuco is stunning with an exceptional iridescence rarely seen, as said, his most elegant period, a model hard to beat.
As can be seen by this amazing desk from Joseph Henry’s shop in the 1850’s he really was very successful as a maker during his short lifetime (1823-1870).
Restored to first class order, as they say, an image says a thousand words, what a beautiful bow this is, I wonder what the first owner thought when they left Gand freres lovely Parisienne shop with it! Note the original face, this we managed to save and put back on after restoration. Please note this bow is original throughout with the exception of the steel shaft for the button and a bronze eye in the original frog with its original pearl.
