Simon school viola bow, Mirecourt circa 1860

Among the most important French bow makers of the 19th century, Pierre Simon (1808-1881) was born in Mirecourt. After apprenticing in his hometown, he moved to Paris in 1838 to study with Dominique Peccatte, and in 1840, Simon joined the famed workshop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It was in this workshop where he absorbed a wide variety of styles and models, including "self-rehairing" and "picture" bows. Simon established his own business around 1844, then took over the Peccatte workshop in 1848, and briefly partnered with another Peccatte student, Joseph Henry. Working independently after 1851, Simon continued to make violin bows for Vuillaume as well as numerous other French firms including Gand frères, Gand & Bernardel, George Chanot, and Bernardel et Fils. Extremely versatile in his making style, Simon built successful bows in various patterns and weights. His bows are very highly sought after by players and collectors alike.

Sold with a certificate of authenticity from Jean-François Raffin, Yannick Le Canu and Sylvain Bigot.