French cello bow made by Claude Thomassin, ca. 1910.

A very fine French cello bow by Claude Thomassin ca. 1910 made for and branded by the firm of Caressa & Francais. This is an outstanding example and one of the great playing bows with a soloist level tonal quality and handling. The stick is reddish chocolate-brown pernambuco of superior selection and figuration (similar to pernambuco that can be found on some of great cello bows by F.X. Tourte), the frog and button are ebony with silver mountings. The length of the stick is 69.5 cm and the weight of the bow is 81 g. This spectacular example has been played by a fine cellist and has some normal wear from playing, otherwise in a very good condition. This bow is recommended to a fine musician including a soloist who is looking for a superb playing bow in a moderate range of investment.