EMILE FRANCOIS OUCHARD PERE Violin Bow For Sale

60 grams
9.75 inches balance
720 mm Length
Silver Mounted
Orange-Brown Pernambuco
Sold as a possible Emile Ouchard (pere) violin bow. Stamped \"Emile Ouchard.\"
Ferrule is not original.Cannot ship Pernabuco outside USA.
Stamped: Emile Ouchard
Émile François Ouchard (1872–1951), known asOuchard père, was a prominent French bow maker (arcchetier) based in Mirecourt.He trained underEugène Cuniot-Hury, later taking over the firm before establishing his own successful workshop in 1923, which employed 15 makers at its peak.Key Details About Ouchard Père:

• Career & Style:He was a prolific maker who set a high standard for 20th-century French bow making. His workshop produced bows for numerous other firms, meaning many of his bows bear other makers\' stamps, though he also used the stamp \"Emile Ouchard\".
• Legacy & Family:He was the father and teacher of the renowned bow makerÉmile Auguste Ouchard (Ouchard fils), with whom he had a tumultuous, yet highly productive professional relationship.
• Mentorship:Ouchard trained several notable makers, including Louis Brugère, François Lotte, and Raymond and André Richaume.
• Distinction:To distinguish him from his equally famous son, he is referred to as \"père\" (father), while his son is \"fils\" (son). His work is often characterized by strong, traditional French craftsmanship

Émile François Ouchard (also known as E.F. Ouchard or Ouchard Père, 1872–1951) bows stand out as solid, reliable, and good-value French bows from the early-to-mid 20th century, particularly in the $5,000–$15,000 range (retail or sale). They are not considered elite \"investment-grade\" masterpieces like his son Émile Auguste Ouchard’s best Paris-period bows or top Peccatte/Sartory examples, but they offer strong performance for the money paid.
How They Stand Out for the Money

• Performance: Many players describe E.F. Ouchard bows as having a large, bright, radiant, and French-sounding tone with good power and clarity. They are often praised for being strong yet not overly stiff, with accurate response, fast playing qualities, and comfortable balance. Descriptions include \"well-playing stick,\" \"does not lack in power\" (even lighter examples around 59–60g), and \"great playability & tone.\" They suit soloists or advanced players needing a versatile bow for classical and Romantic repertoire.
• Craftsmanship and Style: His bows are well-made with fine pernambuco (often orange-brown or dark brown, good density), typically round sticks, and clean Tourte-inspired or Simon-like heads. Frogs often have square heels and Parisian eyes. The work is consistent and professional, benefiting from his large workshop (up to 15 workers, including his son). Many are branded \"Émile Ouchard\" after he set up independently in 1923.
• Value Proposition: They are frequently called good value for money among mid-to-high French bows. sale records show sales up to around $29,000 for exceptional examples, but most fine silver-mounted ones trade in the $10,000–$21,000 range (depending on condition, period, and certification). They deliver professional-level performance at a more accessible price than many big-name 19th- or early 20th-century French bows. Players and dealers note they are \"much sought after\" in their category and represent solid craftsmanship without the premium markup of rarer makers.
• Strengths for Buyers: Reliable daily players with good power and tone; often in excellent condition when properly maintained; strong historical pedigree as the father of the more famous E.A. Ouchard.

Potential Drawbacks

• They can feel slightly less refined or \"personal\" than his son Émile Auguste Ouchard’s peak Paris work (1940–1960), which many consider superior in elegance, balance, and overall finesse.
• Workshop production means some variability — not every bow reaches the highest level.
• They are respected but not in the same \"elite collector\" tier as Dominique Peccatte or top Sartory bows.

Comparison to His Son (E.A. Ouchard)

• E.F. Ouchard (Père): Solid, bright, powerful, good workshop quality — excellent \"step-up\" bow with strong value.
• E.A. Ouchard (Fils): Often more refined, better balanced, and more sought-after (especially Paris period). His golden period bows command higher prices and are frequently described as \"very lovely\" and closer to the absolute top tier.

In summary, E.F. Ouchard bows stand out as dependable, tonally strong, and cost-effective French bows that punch above their price point for serious players. They are a smart choice if you want authentic early-20th-century French craftsmanship without spending heavily on rarer names.

I do returns for domestic U.S. buyers. But I can\'t do returns for foreign buyers. The new CITES regulations (as of March 5th) makes it so risky and so complicated for bows to cross borders due to pernambuco regulations, not to mention the ivory tip-plates, that if seized by U.S. customs on a return because the paperwork is not in order, or parts are missing, the bow is seized and destroyed. Then you lose both your money and the bow. (If you write to me, I can explain further.)

For those domestic buyers who feel queasy about plunking down 18k USD for a bow on trial, I can make the bow available in several major U.S. cities on a consignment basis. Then you can test the bow without paying and go from there in your decision making process.

U.S. Buyer Only, Please!