Commercial Mirecourt Violin Bow With An Open Trench Frog, Circa 1900.

This style of bow featuring a simple ebony frog with an ebony open trench design running along a rounded track on the underside of the bow where you would expect to see the lower three octagonal facets hearkens to 19th century French traditions. Style of frog not considered, this is referred to as the Vuillaume system, a design later modified and re-popularized by the bow makers of Hill & Sons in England. That aside, the frog is simple construction, without a ferrule or linings. Rather, the side of the frog serve as tracks for the hair under tension. Some of the most renowned makers have utilized this system. Having said that, this bow is simple commercial work from Mirecourt, circa 1900. With a finished weight of just 52 grams, this bow would be considered a classical era tool. Though it behaves well, it is really more of a conversation piece, something that can be pointed to and used as an example to discuss the arc of bow making in France, where the lowest common denominator of modest craftsmanship mimics the greats, is inspired by more definitive and historic works.