Bernard Millant, 1967

Bernard Millant (1929-2017) was born in Paris to a family of luthiers, and at the age of 13, began his apprenticeship in the family workshop. In 1946, he moved to the shop of Amedée Deiudonné, and subsequently studied bow making in the Morizot firm. During the year 1949, he lived in New York, working for Lazare Rudié, and it was here that he had the chance encounter with Rembrandt Wurlitzer which sparked his interest in bow expertise. Returning to Paris in 1950, he opened his own shop where he remained for the rest of his career. Millant is regarded worldwide as one of the foremost experts on bows, which was solidified by his co-authorship of L'Archet, a monumental two-volume history of French bow making.

 

This particular bow was crafted by Bernard Millant in 1967 and was one of several commissioned by John Schaeffer of the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s. It features a round pernambuco stick paired with an ivory tip plate, silver winding, and black leather grip. The frog is ebony fully mounted in silver, with a pearl slide, Parisian eyes, and a silver button. Bernard Millant made only six double bass bows in his career, making this an exceptionally rare example that plays beautifully!