France School
Paul Bailly
London, Mirecourt, Paris, 1844–1907
Paul Bailly (1844-1907) was a distinguished French luthier, born in Mirecourt and active in various European cities and America before settling in Paris. He received training from notable makers including Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, P. G. Grandjon, and J. B. Vuillaume. Known for his fine and varied work, he copied classical models, particularly Stradivari's Messiah for violins, and used a distinctive chestnut-brown oil varnish for his cellos. Bailly's instruments were praised for their noble and even tone. He was an exhibitor at the 1893 Chicago Exhibition and accumulated over ten medals throughout his career.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
128 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled 10 Medaille Or. Vermeil, Argent et Bronze No. 51 Paul Bailly luthier ancien Eleve de J. B. ... Lot 119 | Tarisio | March 2025 | £16,405est. $ 18,000-25,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 1367 and signature, broken heel Lot 20 | Laurent | December 2024 | £11,391est. € 8.000-10.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Paul Bailly, Luthier, Elève de Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume à Paris, Messie, signed to the label Lot 133 | Tarisio | October 2024 | £6,019est. € 7.000-10.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 1901 and signature to the back, fair condition Lot 218 | Laurent | June 2024 | £12,232est. € 5.000-6.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's signature to the back, labelled Stradivari, minor head crack Lot 315 | Laurent | June 2024 | £11,700est. € 8.000-10.000 |
| Violin | One-piece back of regular curl, varnish of a golden brown colour, varnish retouched, head restoration Lot 4 | Millon & A. | May 2024 | £2,553est. € 2.500-3.000 |
| Violin | One-piece back of regular curl, varnish of a brown colour on a golden ground, good condition Lot 171 | Millon & A. | April 2024 | £3,179est. € 2.800-3.000 |
| Violin | Labelled with signature Twelve Medals - Gold, Silver and Bronze (Paris, Melbourne, Sydney & c.) ... Lot 139 | Ingles & H. | March 2024 | £12,000est. £ 8,000-12,000 |
| Violin | Labelled 10 médailles or. vermeil argent et bronze, à Paris Sydney Melbourne etc, no 673 Paul Bailly ... Lot 101 | Tarisio | February 2024 | £16,392est. € 12.000-18.000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label, some restoration, minor head crack Lot 312 | Laurent | November 2023 | £9,730est. € 8.000-10.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Paul Bailly luthier à Paris, ancien élève de J.B. Vuillaume, 8 medailles à Paris Sydney ... Lot 50 | Tarisio | October 2023 | £10,200est. £ 8,000-12,000 |
| Violin | Lot 34 | Bonhams | May 2013 | £5,875 |
| Violin | Lot 336 | Bonhams | October 2012 | £10,000 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1903 | — | December 2011 | £5,280 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1880-1885 c. | — | December 2011 | £7,398 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2011 | £10,625 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm 1885 c. | — | June 2011 | £7,200 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Londres, 1890 | — | June 2011 | £10,470 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1900/1910 c. | — | June 2011 | £4,188 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm Paris, 1901 | — | June 2011 | £9,368 |
| Viola | 41.2 cm Paris, 1900 n°1070 | — | June 2011 | £9,919 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1888 | — | May 2011 | £8,740 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1890 c. | — | May 2011 | £8,740 |
| Bass | 113.5 cm London, 1890 c. | — | March 2011 | £10,000 |
| Bass | 113.5 cm London, 1888, | — | March 2011 | £9,375 |
| Viola | 40.1 cm Attributed to | — | March 2011 | £2,040 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1900 c. Ascribed to | — | December 2010 | £2,090 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm 1890 c. | — | October 2010 | £6,600 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1890 c. | — | October 2010 | £12,000 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1909 | — | June 2010 | £13,981 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1904 n°1236 | — | December 2009 | £4,896 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2009 | £8,898 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2009 | £8,156 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm London, 1891 | — | February 2009 | £10,622 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Mirecourt, 1866 | — | February 2009 | £12,256 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1881 | — | November 2008 | £7,184 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm 1900 c. | — | October 2008 | £12,292 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2008 | £10,846 |
| Violin | 36.2 cm 1887 | — | June 2008 | £7,800 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1900 c. Probably by | — | May 2008 | £1,497 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1905 c. Workshop of | — | March 2008 | £2,340 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1900 | — | March 2008 | £5,000 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Paris, 1895/1900 c. | — | December 2007 | £5,276 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | November 2007 | £7,200 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | October 2007 | £4,853 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris | — | October 2007 | £6,905 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm France , 1900 c. Attributed to | — | October 2007 | £1,375 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1890 c. | — | July 2007 | £7,080 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mirecourt, 1866 | — | June 2007 | £4,008 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1885 c. | — | May 2007 | £7,489 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris 1900 c. Workshop of | — | March 2007 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris 1907 c. Probably by | — | March 2007 | £3,450 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1900 c. | — | March 2007 | £5,175 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1902 | — | November 2006 | £4,200 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm London , 1890 #702 | — | November 2006 | £7,800 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Paris, 1900 (fresh damage to top) | — | October 2006 | £8,582 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm 1900 c. #864 | — | October 2006 | £5,684 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1900 | — | May 2006 | £5,519 |
| Violin | 35.0 cm Paris, 1906 | — | May 2006 | £5,519 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1900 #1049 | — | February 2006 | £4,560 |
| Violin | Paris, 1880 c. | — | November 2005 | £10,800 |
| Violin | Mirecourt, late-19th C. | — | November 2005 | £2,160 |
| Violin | Paris, 1907 | — | November 2005 | £9,195 |
| Violin | Paris, 1863 | — | November 2005 | £2,400 |
| Violin | Paris, 1880 c. | — | October 2005 | £6,694 |
| Violin | Paris, 1902 | — | May 2005 | £2,280 |
| Violin | Paris, 1865 | — | March 2005 | £5,040 |
| Violin | Paris, 1906 | — | October 2004 | £5,726 |
| Violin | Paris, 1906 Workshop | — | July 2004 | £3,107 |
| Violin | Workshop | — | July 2004 | £2,880 |
| Violin | London, 1890 c. Attributed to | — | July 2004 | £3,107 |
| Cello | Paris | — | May 2004 | £17,693 |
| Violin | London, 1891 | — | March 2004 | £7,800 |
| Violin | Paris, 1906 | — | March 2004 | £4,800 |
| Violin | Attributed to | — | March 2004 | £3,346 |
| Viola | 1891 | — | November 2003 | £10,575 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | July 2003 | £3,525 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | May 2003 | £13,248 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | May 2003 | £10,281 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | May 2003 | £4,590 |
| Violin | 1902 | — | March 2003 | £6,960 |
| Violin | 1869 | — | October 2002 | £8,708 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | September 2002 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1881 | — | June 2002 | £6,275 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | June 2002 | £6,039 |
| Violin | 1906 | — | December 2001 | £2,837 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | November 2001 | £1,820 |
| Violin | 1897 | — | November 2001 | £1,725 |
| Violin | 1880 c. 1/2 Size | — | November 2001 | £2,792 |
| Violin | 18*3 | — | June 2001 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 1904 | — | June 2001 | £3,099 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | February 2001 | £3,220 |
| Viola | 38.7 cm 1890 | — | November 2000 | £3,795 |
| Violin | 1902 | — | November 2000 | £4,842 |
| Violin | 1903 | — | November 2000 | £3,860 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | June 2000 | £5,005 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | March 2000 | £3,680 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | November 1999 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 1886 | — | November 1999 | £4,258 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | March 1999 | £3,680 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | March 1999 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | November 1998 | £6,440 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | November 1998 | £2,530 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | November 1998 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | July 1997 | £5,000 |
| Violin | 1880 | — | February 1997 | £900 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | February 1997 | £4,025 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | November 1995 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1891 | — | October 1995 | £2,990 |
| Cello | 1885 | — | June 1995 | £19,550 |
| Violin | 1885 | — | June 1995 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1889 | — | March 1995 | £4,025 |
| Violin | 18-- | — | March 1995 | £5,290 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | November 1994 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | November 1994 | £4,830 |
| Violin | 1884 | — | June 1994 | £3,335 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | June 1994 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | March 1994 | £7,475 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | — | July 1993 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1888 | — | July 1993 | £1,955 |
| Violin | 18-- | — | June 1993 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 18-- | — | June 1993 | £4,025 |
| Cello | 1887 | — | April 1993 | £9,350 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | April 1993 | £3,450 |
| Viola | 38.4 cm 1907 | — | November 1992 | £3,092 |
| Cello | 1870 c. | — | November 1992 | £6,050 |
| Viola | 39.8 cm 1861 | — | June 1988 | £3,300 |
| Cello | 1898 | — | April 1984 | £11,922 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Paul Bailly (1844-1907) was born in Mirecourt in 1844 and died in Paris in 1907. He received his initial training in Mirecourt from Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, and P. G. Grandjon. Subsequently, he worked for François Vuillaume, who sent him to his brother J. B. Vuillaume in Paris, where he remained for several years. In 1869, he was appointed violin maker to the Music Academy in Douai. Throughout his career, he worked successively in various locations including Lille, Douai, Mirecourt, Paris, Brussels, America, Rheims, and London, where he worked for Harry Dykes in Leeds., he moved to Paris in 1884 for several years, then relocated his workshop to London, and finally returned to Paris in 1898, establishing himself at 197 Rue de Grénelle. John Dilworth states he moved to Paris in 1899, established at 197 rue de Grenelle. In 1892, he returned to Mirecourt, primarily working for leading Parisian and London firms, and during this period, he also trained many apprentices. Cecie Stainer notes that he was among the exhibitors at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Paul Bailly's work w as very fine and varied, and by Cecie Stainer as being of good quality, though not showy.
- Models
- He was a copyist of classical models, building according to all models, including English ones. His violins were primarily made after the Messiah by Stradivari.
- Cellos
- For his cellos, he preferred a large pattern and utilized a beautiful, chestnut-brown oil varnish.
- Tone
- The tone of his violins was considered noble and even in all registers, with his work being excellent.
- Experiments
- He was known for experiments, initiated by Prof. Wagner in Lisbon, to construct violins entirely from Brazilian Murtaholz.
- 10 Medailles Or, Vermeil, Argent et Bronze
A Paris Sydney Malbourne etc.
No… Paul Bailly
Luthier
Ancien élève de J. B. Vuillaume, de Paris
197, rue de Grenelle PARIS Année 19..John Dilworth - Paul Bailly,
luthier à Mirecourt, Vosges
Élève de J. B. Vuillaume cie Paris
Luthier de l’Academie de musique de Douai Ten Medals—gold, silver and bronze
Paul Bailly. Violin Maker
Pupil of Jean Baptiste Vuillaume
86 Wardour St. London. W.
no..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Teachers: Paul Bailly was a pupil of Jules Gaillard, Prosper Gabasse, P. G. Grandjon, and J. B. Vuillaume. He also worked for François Vuillaume.
- Mentorship: During his time in Mirecourt around 1892, he trained many apprentices.
- Awards: Paul Bailly received a bronze medal in 1878. By 1900, he possessed more than ten medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, from exhibitions in Paris, Sydney, and Melbourne.
- Exhibitions: He was an exhibitor at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
BAILLY, Paul Born 1844 Mirecourt, died 1907 Paris France. Pupil of Galliard and J. B. Vuillaume, and then worked successively in Lille, Douai, Mirecourt, Paris, Brussels, America, Rheims, London, and for Harry Dykes in Leeds. Finally moved to Paris in 1899, established at 197 rue de Grenelle. Very fine and varied work, copyist of classical models. 10 Medailles Or, Vermeil, Argent et Bronze / A Paris Sydney Malbourne etc./ No… Paul Bailly / Luthier / Ancien élève de J. B. Vuillaume, de Paris / 197, rue de Grenelle PARIS Année 19.. Paul Bailly, / luthier à Mirecourt, Vosges / Élève de J. B. Vuillaume cie Paris / Luthier de l’Academie de musique de Douai Ten Medals—gold, silver and bronze / Paul Bailly. Violin Maker / Pupil of Jean Baptiste Vuillaume / 86 Wardour St. London. W./ no..
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er erhielt seine erste Ausbildung in Mirecourt bei Jules Gaillard, Prosper
Gabasse und P. G. Grandjon. Hierauf arbeitete er bei François Vuillaume, der
ihn zu seinem Bruder J. B. V. nach Paris schickte, hier blieb er mehrere Jahre
und wurde 1869 zum Geigenmacher der Musik-Akademie in Douai ernannt.
1892 ging er nach Mirecourt zurück und arbeitete hauptsächlich für die ersten
Pariser und Londoner Firmen. Während dieser Zeit bildete er auch viele Lehrlinge
aus. 1884 zog er nach Paris und blieb wieder mehrere Jahre da und verlegte
dann seine Werkstatt nach London und 1898 endgültig nach Paris zurück,
wo er jetzt Rue de Grénelle No. 197 wohnt. Er baut nach allen Modellen, auch
nach englischen, seine Violinen hauptsächlich nach der »Messias« von Stradivari. Für seine Violoncelli zieht er ein grosses Patron vor und verwendet einen
schönen, kastanienbraunen Öllack. Der Ton seiner Geigen ist edel und gleichmässig
in allen Lagen und seine Arbeit vorzüglich, er besass 1900 bereits mehr
als 10 Medaillen etc. Bekannt sind
seine von Prof. Wagner in Lissabon
veranlassten Versuche, Geigen ganz
aus dem brasilianischen Murtaholz
zu bauen.
Cecie Stainer+
Of Mirecourt and Paris. Received a bronze medal in 1878 for work which, though not showy, was of good quality. Was among the Exhibitors in the Chicago (1893) Exhibition.
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