Reference Library Makers

b. 1800, d. 1864, Luxeuil

Apprenticed in Mirecourt, Fonclause worked for Tourte, Lupot and J. B. Vuillaume. An excellent bow maker, Fonclause set up on his own around 1840. Bows bearing Fonclause's brand are rare, probably because most of his works bear that of J. B. Vuillaume. Characteristics of this maker's work are that the buttons are almost always two banded with large collars, his frogs are usually unlined and typical of the 19th century Parisian tradition. The heads of his bows are usually relatively narrow in the face. The brand, if found, are on the side of the stick or under the wrapping 'Fonclause' in bold lettering.