Silver-mounted French viola bow by André Richaume c.1950. This bow has been repaired with a carbon fibre splint bridging a break in the stick behind the head. It weighs 68.5g
The ivory face is original and the bow has been registered under the UK Ivory Act 2018, ref.97N5RUA8.
André Richaume is one of the most sought-after French makers of the 20th century. He was apprenticed to Emile François Ouchard, then joined his uncle Victor Fétique in Paris before opening his own atelier there in 1923
This bow has a certificate of authenticity from Jean-François Raffin. It has since been repaired at the head with a graft of carbon fibre and bound with silk. It is in good playing condition with its original parts and weighs 68.5g
Materials:
Stick: pernambuco (Paubrasilia echinata)
Mounts: silver, ebony (Diospyros spp)
Pearl: pink/green abalone (Haliotis spp)
Thumb band: goat leather (Capra hircus)
Lapping: silver tinsel
Face: ivory (Elephantidae spp)
