Francois Tourte violin bow sets world record

A violin bow by renowned maker Francois Xavier Tourte (1747-1835) realised a record $678,312 at Vichy Encheres in Vichy, France.

Violin bow Tourte

Tourte is considered the world's greatest bow maker 

The recent sale represents a big increase on the previous record for a bow, set at $288,960 for another example by Tourte in 2015.

Tourte is considered to have been the world’s greatest bow maker.

His designs remain highly prized today due to the quality of sound they produce. This is partly down to materials but also his many innovations - including the spreader block, which keeps the bow hair flattened.

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