A distinctive Mirecourt maker known for robust Peccatte-inspired bows and for developing a characteristic rounded frog model for Vuillaume.
Maker profile · 08
Current private availability
A bow by Nicolas Maline I is available.
Price on request. Detailed photographs, the complete description, condition information and the certificate from Cabinet Raffin are provided directly to interested clients.
Available privately · Subject to prior saleCertificate: Cabinet RaffinPrice on request
Nicolas Maline was born in Mirecourt into a family of violin and bow makers. He probably learned initially from his father, Guillaume, and may also have spent time in the workshop of Étienne Pajeot.
By about 1840 Maline was making bows for Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, apparently while remaining based in Mirecourt. He developed a robust personal model influenced by Peccatte: heads are often broad, with thin chamfers and a pronounced ridge, while the frogs can be correspondingly substantial.
Maline also developed the rounded frog associated with his name, a model that Vuillaume asked him to produce for the Paris shop. After receiving the Légion d’honneur for military service in 1849, he worked with greater independence. His production expanded after 1855 and ranged from practical nickel-mounted bows to luxurious silver-, gold- and tortoiseshell-mounted examples.
Why this maker matters
A place in the history of the bow.
Maline represents the inventive, commercially responsive strength of Mirecourt. His best bows are powerful and highly individual, and his collaboration with Vuillaume carried his ideas into the centre of Parisian bow making.
Characteristics often studied
Broad heads with thin chamfers
Pronounced ridge and robust proportions
Characteristic rounded frog model
Work ranges from utilitarian to richly mounted examples
Workshop, associations & marks
Probably trained within the Maline family
May have worked with Étienne Pajeot
Supplied J.B. Vuillaume from about 1840
Later assisted by his son Nicolas Auguste Eugène
Attribution and certification
This profile is an educational introduction. A stamp, model or single construction detail is never sufficient to establish authorship. This bow is accompanied by a certificate from Cabinet Raffin; the certificate and complete private dossier are supplied directly to the prospective client.
Confidential enquiry
Enquire about a bow by Nicolas Maline I
Prices, detailed photographs, the certificate from Cabinet Raffin, condition information and the complete description are provided directly and privately.
No photographs are requested or uploaded through this form.
