A rare and superb violin bow by Mirecourt bowmaker, Joseph Gaude. Much this talented makers' output is made with  amourette wood of top resonating quality; this example being no exception. Included in the sale is the original frog and bone button and the bow currently is used with a Gaude style copy silver mounted ebony frog and button with a beautiful mother of pearl pattern. The bow is 61.8 grams, has a richly warm and colorful tone with focus, with a wide ringing support. It is a perfect bow for the musician looking for a nice 19th cemtury bow in the style of Pajeot 19th in an affordable price in great condition. Don't miss this opportunity to try this bow.
About Gaudé (1818 - after 1881), from L'Archet:
Son of Dominique Gaudé, shoemaker, and Aniëce Barrat, Joseph was born on February 7, 1818, in Mirecourt.
He served his apprenticeship in his hometown and his early style is reminiscent of models of the Adam school.
His style evolved definitively towards that of the Pajeot school:
– the heads are quite round, but fairly flat on the cheek
– the frogs at a fairly early stage have underslides with metal plates at the front, as well as double mother-of-pearl eyes
He may possibly have been one of the workers in the Pajeot firm around 1835.
Joseph married Marie-Joséphine Sirjean on September 23, 1839, in his hometown.
He set up on his own account that same year in Mirecourt, where his presence is noted until 1854.
Later, he figures in the directory as a “luthier”. Although this term was used to refer both to violin and bow makers, his output was low during the first half of the 19th century, and there is therefore some doubt concerning his activity at the end of his life.
Nevertheless, he seems to have left Mirecourt before 1881, as there is no trace of his death certificate either in this town or in the surrounding area.
Joseph Gaudé lived to a relatively old age for the time, and his production is of good quality, although not too extensive.