Laberte Magnie violin bow stamped “V.J.Ferelli”, France, early-mid 1900s

Marc Laberte, honing his expertise through his fine personal collection of Classical era instruments, inherited the Mirecourt violin making workshops, Laberte-Humbert, from his father and continued to build the company, both in size and quality, until the 1960s. Although mostly known for the instruments, Laberte also produced bows in several grades, using both the Laberte name and the “V.J.Ferelli” stamp found on this lovely, silver-mounted example. Although slightly lighter than today’s standard weight, the quality of the pernambuco gives the bow strength and resistance as well as flexibility, providing great articulation, especially at the tip, a very steady legato, and a good, clean spiccato and sautillé.