Claude Joseph Fonclause began his training as a bowmaker early at the age of 8 with Etienne Pajeot, for whom he would work for the next 25 years. In 1832, he departed for Paris where he would go on to work for Vuillaume. It was Fonclause that likely made the first self-rehairing bows for Vuillaume, sparking controversy with Pajeot who asserted to have been the originator of the concept. In 1840, he would strike out on his own, setting up shop on Rue Pagevin where he remained nearly the balance of his life, moving only once more before his death in 1862.

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The elegance of his making is evident in this bow fashioned out of amourette with his distinctive head model that seems to nod toward earlier Tourte work. This bow comes with the original open trench frog and ivory button but is currently mounted with a silver and ebony replica to help facilitate international travel. 69.6g

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