A Fine, Rare Violin Bow By Nicolas Maline For Vuillaume, Mid 19th Century.

Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Paul Childs from 1996, this exceptional and highly characteristic French violin bow by Nicolas Maline was made for and branded by J.B. Vuillaume to the handle is now available for examination, audition, and trial at Cohen Violins in Tampa’s historic district, Ybor City; round orange-brown pernambuco stick of superior quality with an overall length of 73.3cm and a final balanced weight of 56.7 grams, demonstrating a strength and projection with an immaculately well defined bead of sound which belies its lighter weight. The frog, fully lined, silver mounted, with pearl eyes to each face and matching three-piece adjuster with the collar elucidating a second cut to the edges of the facets. The stick, presenting in immaculate condition, with minor wear to the frog.

Nicolas Maline was one of the defining achetiers of 19th century France, born in Mirecourt to a prominent family of luthiers in 1822. It is stipulated that Nicolas apprenticed with his father, Guillaume Maline, and possibly worked for Ettiene Pajeot before entering the employ of J.B. Vuillaume in 1840, after whom some of his best work is branded. In 1849, he was awarded the Legion of Honor Cross for his wartime service and many of his bows from the following decade bear the corresponding brand after that medal. His output increased tremendously in 1855, and though it is unclear when he stopped working for Vuillaume, he certainly must have had assistants thereafter. His son, Nicolas Auguste Eugene Maline worked with him from about 1870, after which there was a purported decline in the quality of Maline’s work, probably from stock shortages from the Franco-Prussian War. He continued working until his death in 1877 and influenced generations of bow makers since with many of the most esteemed artists performing on his tools.