A French Silver Mounted Viola Bow From Laberte

Marc André Joseph Laberte (1880 - 1963) inherited the family workshop founded by his father, Pierre Alexis Laberte and Maurice-Emile Laberte in 1876. Although records indicate that he was actively involved as both a luthier and bow maker as early as 1911, he would inherit the leadership role at the firm only a few years later in 1915. Under his leadership the firm flourished and grew, collecting and producing both master instruments and renowned craftsman such as Gerorge Apparut, Charles Brugère, and Camille Poirson, to name a few. In 1919, he had successfully managed a merger with Fourier Magnié to establish Laberte-Humbert Frères, Fourier Magnié Réunis, which employed over 300 tradesman by the following year. André Emile Philippe Laberte would pick up his fathers mantle as the fifth generation luthier to manage the company but struggled to maintain production, distribution, and further diversification through the turmoil of WWII.

This mid century viola bow from the Laberte family workshop well represents the meticulous craftsmanship for which the firms’ more famous craftsman are so highly esteemed; imbued with outstanding playing properties and a characteristic silkiness, the strong supple stick leaves the player wanting for nothing but more time to practice and perform. Weighing 70.8 grams, with a nickel replacement to outside of the three piece button.