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The highly respected French firm of Silvestre & Maucotel was established in Paris in 1900 as collaboration between the two very important violin makers, Hippolyte Chrétien SILVESTRE (1845-1913) and Ernest Maucotel (b. 1867). Silvestre initially worked for Pierre & Hippolyte Silvestre and took over their workshop in 1865. He moved to Paris in 1884, where he traded as 'Silvestre neveu'. In 1900 he became associated with Ernest Maucotel. Maucotel was earlier working for his uncle in Moscow. It was at Silvestre's insistence that Maucotel returned to Paris to work for the latter. Their collaboration lasted until Silvestre's death in 1913, after which Maucotel continued on his own until 1922, when he became associated with the distinguished expert, Paul Deschamp, with whom he had a long and successful collaboration.
This silver-mounted bow, stamped Silvestre and Maucotel conforms to very high standards in French bow making. It was probably made around 1905 and is in superb condition, with truly excellent playing properties. Further research into identifiers in the bow's making could reveal who the actual maker was, since this firm employed several superb craftsmen during its brief existence.
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The Stick :
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Round, Pernambuco
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The Nut :
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Plain ebony, without eye.
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Mountings :
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Silver. The adjustor of solid silver.
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Lapping :
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Silver wire. Black leather thumbpad, recent.
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Tip Slide :
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Possibly ivory. Appears to be the original.
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Condition :
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Superb condition. Freshly rehaired.
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Provenance :
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The property of Johan Grobbelaar
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