Nicolas Remy Maire 1800-1878
I am always delighted when a Maire comes in for sale simply because they are so good to play on, soloists and chamber musicians especially enjoy his concept of bow making. Born in Mirecourt he worked for Etienne Pajeot until his death in 1849. His major source of work having stopped Maire then travelled to Paris and worked from 1853 for amongst others Gand,
Chanot and, noteably J.B. Vuillaume.
This bow dates from 1855-1865 and is a superb example correct in most key parts. The recent certificate from Bernard Millant stating this bow as Maire as opposed to Donimique Peccatte, says that the frog and button are perhaps later. At this time he was based at 35 Rue de Viarmes in Paris. It is easy to date by the style in that earlier Maire was very similar to Pajeot. Once the Peccatte hatchet head became fashionable he produced these. The older Maire was supremely able to change his style to keep in business and throughout his life he encountered both tremendous success and bankruptcy.
The international soloist Shlomo Mintz has just sold his Maire bow in France for fifty thousand Euros, this bow, for many years was his favourite playing bow. It is interesting to note Nicolas Maire was 55-60 years old when he made this bow. Imbued with a lifetime of experience this is truly wonderful playing bow.
Condition of this bow is generally superb, the only slight damage is a glueing of a small lift along a knot three quarters of the way down the stick. Utterly secure this is of no real concern.
The photograph to the right shows me in discussion with the world authority on french bowmaking Bernard Millant on a recent trip to Paris to discuss bows by Maire, Persoit and Dominique Peccatte.
£12,000 This bow comes with a certificate by Bernard Millant, stating this bow is by Maire.
Nicolas Remy Maire 1800-1878
Chanot and, noteably J.B. Vuillaume.
£12,000 This bow comes with a certificate by Bernard Millant, stating this bow is by Maire.