An undoubted highlight of the collection, this bow is by one of the true masters of bow making. William Retford, the fine bow maker for Hills, said that in his opinion Henry was a superior maker to his workshop colleague Dominique Peccatte.
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This bow has qualities most players can only dream of and is suitable for the high quality solo performances. It was made circa 1855 when Henry’s workshop was at 8 rue des Vieux Augustins, five doors away from Vuillaume. The head is incredibly proud and the stick is among the best of his output. In all aspects this is a truly remarkable bow. This bow is identical to several Dominique Peccatte bows I have seen so it can be assumed that when they worked together around this period they heavily influenced each other.
Playing Characteristics
In blind testing this bow has often come out top for playing with customers. It lies on the string beautifully and makes the bow arm feel wonderful. A joy in all areas with no weakness in any department.
Condition
The stick has a small repair in the upper part of the stick (a lift in the stick) although it is very difficult to find! The button is by Henry. The frog could be by another hand (having said that it is correct period and correct in all other detail)and is contemporary to the stick. Despite the repair the stick is in first class condition with minimal wear. This stick is one of the finest, if not the finest Henry left in a fabulous state of preservation. Bows of this quality are very rare and are now commanding extremely high prices on the world market, a rare opportunity this bow should be snapped up since I have not seen one of this quality for sale for over twenty years! Verified by Bernard Millant as dating from Henry’s 1855 era a superb bow from his golden period.
Playing Characteristics
In blind testing this bow has often come out top for playing with customers. It lies on the string beautifully and makes the bow arm feel wonderful. A joy in all areas with no weakness in any department.
Condition
The stick has a small repair in the upper part of the stick (a lift in the stick) although it is very difficult to find! The button is by Henry. The frog could be by another hand (having said that it is correct period and correct in all other detail)and is contemporary to the stick. Despite the repair the stick is in first class condition with minimal wear. This stick is one of the finest, if not the finest Henry left in a fabulous state of preservation. Bows of this quality are very rare and are now commanding extremely high prices on the world market, a rare opportunity this bow should be snapped up since I have not seen one of this quality for sale for over twenty years! Verified by Bernard Millant as dating from Henry’s 1855 era a superb bow from his golden period.