Alfred Joseph Lamy

Name: Alfred Joseph Lamy auction price records, Amati Instrument Archive
Creator: Amati

Mirecourt, Paris, 1850–1919

Alfred Joseph Lamy (1850-1919), known as 'Lamy Père', was a distinguished French bow maker born in Mirecourt and active in Paris. He apprenticed with C. C. N. Husson and worked for Gautrot and F. N. Voirin, whom he considered his true teacher. Establishing his own workshop at 34 rue Poissonnière in 1885, Lamy became renowned for his very fine bows, crafted in the Voirin tradition and including excellent copies of Tourte. He was recognized with a silver medal in 1889 and a gold medal in 1900 at the Paris exhibitions. His son, Hippolyte Camille, succeeded him in the business.

Worked Mirecourt, Paris

Made Cello Bow, Viola Bow, Violin Bow

Family Son of Jean Joseph

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£35,352

TypeDecade of saleAuction houseAttributionCurrency

209 results

Type	Details	Auction house	Sold	Price
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, octagonal stick stamped A. Lamy à Paris Lot 74	Tarisio	March 2025	£8,805est. $ 6,000-9,000
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, signed, later button, handle and head blemishes, frog cracks, handle wear, good condition Lot 45	Laurent	June 2024	£11,700est. € 7.000-9.000
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, minus hair, unlapping, minor head blemishes, minor handle wear, button crack Lot 250	Laurent	June 2024	£14,891est. € 10.000-12.000
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, round stick stamped A. Lamy à Paris Lot 43	Tarisio	May 2024	£10,318est. € 4.000-6.000
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, round stick stamped A. Lamy à Paris Lot 49	Tarisio	May 2024	£14,446est. € 8.000-12.000
Violin Bow	Silver mounted, ebony frog, very minor wear, very good condition Lot 9	Piguet	March 2024	£10,577est. CHF 7,000-9,000
Cello Bow	Silver mounted, round stick stamped A. Lamy à Paris, ebony frog with pearl eye, silver and ebony button Lot 87	Ingles & H.	March 2024	£9,600est. £ 7,000-10,000
Violin Bow	S/E 65 g. with thick silver winding	—	December 2011	£10,040
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g. with silk winding	—	December 2011	£6,341
Violin Bow	S/E 51 g. with fine hair	—	December 2011	£1,162
Cello Bow	S/E 74 g. with silk winding	—	December 2011	£11,625
Violin Bow	S/E 49.5 g. without hair	—	December 2011	£1,480
Cello Bow	S/E 71 g.	—	October 2011	£1,267
Cello Bow	S/E 75 g.	—	October 2011	£2,218
Cello Bow	S/E 79 g. Paris, 1885 c.	—	October 2011	£13,750
Violin Bow	S/E 58.5 g. Paris , 1910 c.	—	October 2011	£6,875
Violin Bow	S/E 64 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	October 2011	£6,000
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g. with light silver winding	—	June 2011	£10,470
Violin Bow	G/E 59.0 g. (button later, frog remounted)	—	May 2011	£5,827
Violin Bow	S/E 56.0 g.	—	May 2011	£5,827
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. without hair (later frog)	—	April 2011	£2,250
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	April 2011	£8,251
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2011	£9,375
Cello Bow	S/E 79.5 g. France, 1900 c. Attributed to	—	March 2011	£4,000
Cello Bow	S/E 71 g. with hair and fine winding	—	December 2010	£7,249
Violin Bow	S/E 50.5 g. without hair, leather winding	—	December 2010	£3,314
Viola Bow	S/E 68.5 g. with light winding	—	December 2010	£13,981
Violin Bow	S/E 60.0 g.	—	October 2010	£7,511
Violin Bow	S/E 59.0 g.	—	October 2010	£4,800
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	October 2010	£3,004
Cello Bow	S/E 79.0 g.	—	June 2010	£12,048
Violin Bow	S/E 58.5 g.	—	June 2010	£6,827
Violin Bow	S/E 58.0 g.	—	June 2010	£8,835
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	June 2010	£6,426
Violin Bow	S/E 54.5 g. with silk winding	—	June 2010	£5,178
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. with silk winding	—	June 2010	£2,071
Cello Bow	S/E 64.5 g. without hair, with silk winding	—	June 2010	£7,042
Violin Bow	G/E 55 g. with hair and fine winding	—	June 2010	£7,560
Viola Bow	S/E 63 g. with silk winding	—	June 2010	£8,803
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. with silk winding	—	June 2010	£5,385
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g. with silk winding	—	June 2010	£6,421
Cello Bow	S/E 77.5 g. (frog & button not original)	—	April 2010	£4,714
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g. (button not original)	—	April 2010	£5,892
Violin Bow	G/T 60.5 g. 1890 c.	—	April 2010	£35,352
Viola Bow	S/E 59.0 g.	—	April 2010	£6,575
Viola Bow	G/E 58.5 g.	—	April 2010	£18,080
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2010	£3,000
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2010	£1,375
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1890 c.	—	March 2010	£3,840
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2010	£4,800
Violin Bow	G/E 61 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2010	£14,400
Violin Bow	S/E 59.0 g. (splined head, in need of restoration)	—	February 2010	£1,462
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g. whalebone winding	—	December 2009	£8,161
Violin Bow	S/E 57.5 g. with fine winding (frog and button of the period)	—	December 2009	£5,984
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g. without winding	—	December 2009	£1,741
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g. without hair, with original silk winding	—	December 2009	£8,705
Violin Bow	S/E 53.5 g. without hair, with light silver winding	—	December 2009	£7,834
Violin Bow	G/E 56 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	October 2009	£3,750
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. 1900 c. Possibly by	—	October 2009	£3,500
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	October 2009	£4,600
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	October 2009	£6,325
Cello Bow	79 g.	—	June 2009	£7,468
Violin Bow	54 g. without hair or winding	—	June 2009	£7,779
Cello Bow	73 g. fine silver winding (ferrule later)	—	June 2009	£3,111
Cello Bow	77 g. with fine hair and fine winding	—	June 2009	£7,260
Violin Bow	51.2 g. branded "A. Lamy Ã Paris"	—	June 2009	£519
Violin Bow	60 g.	—	June 2009	£467
Violin Bow	56 g. with light winding	—	June 2009	£4,149
Violin Bow	G/T 61.5 g.	—	June 2009	£14,520
Violin Bow	S/E 55.5 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	October 2008	£3,500
Cello Bow	S/E 74 g.	—	June 2008	£3,899
Violin Bow	S/E 59.0 g.	—	May 2008	£7,791
Violin Bow	G/E 57 g. Paris, 1890 c. (frog later)	—	April 2008	£2,193
Cello Bow	S/E 80.5 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	March 2008	£6,250
Violin Bow	S/E 53.5 g. Paris, 1910 c.	—	March 2008	£5,625
Violin Bow	S/E 62.5 g. Paris, 1900 c. (frog & adjustor later)	—	March 2008	£3,500
Violin Bow	S/E 52.5 g. without hair or winding	—	December 2007	£5,956
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g. without hair or winding (button missing )	—	December 2007	£810
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	October 2007	£6,330
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g. Paris, 1890 c.	—	October 2007	£5,224
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1915 c. (with tinsel lapping)	—	October 2007	£5,250
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	October 2007	£4,000
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g.	—	June 2007	£10,020
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g.	—	June 2007	£3,206
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	June 2007	£4,810
Violin Bow	S/E 57.5 g.	—	May 2007	£4,623
Violin Bow	S/E 59.2 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	April 2007	£3,336
Cello Bow	S/E 79 g. Paris, 1890 c.	—	February 2007	£9,000
Cello Bow	S/E 79 g. Paris, 1890 c.	—	February 2007	£7,200
Violin Bow	S/E 56.5 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	February 2007	£3,360
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. Paris, 1915 c.	—	February 2007	£5,040
Cello Bow	S/E 67 g. (split at the back)	—	December 2006	£2,557
Violin Bow	S/E 57.5 g.	—	December 2006	£5,992
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	December 2006	£3,355
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	December 2006	£2,588
Violin Bow	S/E 63.0 g. (button not original)	—	November 2006	£3,910
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	November 2006	£3,840
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	October 2006	£5,052
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	October 2006	£2,911
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	July 2006	£4,800
Violin Bow	G/T 59 g. Paris, stamped "Expon 1889"	—	July 2006	£9,600
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	June 2006	£2,428
Violin Bow	S/E 48 g. without hair	—	June 2006	£1,781
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	June 2006	£5,261
Violin Bow	S/E 52.5 g. without hair	—	June 2006	£4,452
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	June 2006	£4,856
Violin Bow	S/E 55.0 g.	—	May 2006	£2,453
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1900 c.	—	February 2006	£1,200
Cello Bow	S/E 76.5 g.	—	December 2005	£3,193
Cello Bow	S/E 64.5 g. without hair	—	December 2005	£5,987
Violin Bow	S/E 58.5 g.	—	December 2005	£5,348
Violin Bow	S/E 53 g.	—	November 2005	£2,040
Cello Bow	S/E 75.0 g.	—	November 2005	£5,254
Cello Bow	S/E 80.0 g.	—	November 2005	£3,941
Cello Bow	S/E 76.3 g. "Expo: 1889"	—	November 2005	£3,840
Violin Bow	S/E 61.6 g.	—	November 2005	£1,560
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	June 2005	£5,143
Violin Bow	S/E 53 g. no hair/wrapping	—	June 2005	£4,352
Cello Bow	S/E 77.5 g. (button not original)	—	June 2005	£2,978
Violin Bow	S/E 55.5 g.	—	May 2005	£4,560
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	April 2005	£5,326
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	February 2005	£3,120
Violin Bow	S/E 64 g. Attributed to	—	January 2005	£1,434
Violin Bow	S/E branded "Audinot a Paris" Workshop	—	December 2004	£2,442
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g. Original silk wrapping	—	December 2004	£5,291
Cello Bow	S/E 76.5 g.	—	November 2004	£5,400
Violin Bow	S/E 60.5 g.	—	November 2004	£5,040
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	October 2004	£3,320
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g.	—	May 2004	£5,147
Cello Bow		—	April 2004	£3,030
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	March 2004	£4,200
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g. without hair	—	March 2004	£5,760
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	March 2004	£5,040
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	October 2003	£5,026
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	—	July 2003	£5,040
Cello Bow	S/E 75 g.	—	June 2003	£6,916
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	December 2002	£4,692
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	June 2002	£4,541
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	—	June 2002	£2,151
Violin Bow	S/E 53 g.	—	June 2002	£2,512
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g.	—	June 2002	£2,198
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	June 2002	£2,077
Violin Bow	G/E 55 g.	—	June 2002	£2,129
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	May 2002	£6,310
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	May 2002	£6,310
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	December 2001	£4,728
Cello Bow	S/E 71 g.	—	June 2001	£3,288
Violin Bow	S/T 59 g.	—	June 2001	£9,863
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g.	—	June 2001	£4,321
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	March 2001	£5,040
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	—	November 2000	£1,800
Violin Bow	N/E 50 g.	—	June 2000	£1,632
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	March 2000	£1,955
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g.	—	March 2000	£4,600
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	March 2000	£8,625
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	March 2000	£5,980
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g.	—	December 1999	£1,771
Cello Bow	S/E 71 g.	—	November 1999	£2,300
Cello Bow	S/E 65 g.	—	November 1999	£1,380
Viola Bow	S/E 71 g.	—	November 1999	£10,350
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	November 1999	£4,830
Violin Bow	S/E 63 g.	—	November 1999	£2,875
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	November 1999	£2,530
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	October 1999	£5,158
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	October 1999	£2,923
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g.	—	June 1999	£5,722
Cello Bow	S/E 79 g.	—	May 1999	£3,166
Cello Bow	S/E 86 g.	—	March 1999	£3,220
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	March 1999	£2,070
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	March 1999	£6,670
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	March 1999	£6,440
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	March 1999	£6,325
Violin Bow	S/E 63 g.	—	March 1999	£1,840
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	December 1998	£5,992
Cello Bow	G/E 82 g.	—	November 1998	£5,750
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	—	November 1998	£5,750
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	—	November 1998	£4,830
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	November 1998	£8,050
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	November 1998	£4,140
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	November 1998	£3,450
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	June 1998	£2,530
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	June 1998	£4,453
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g.	—	March 1998	£4,600
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	—	March 1998	£3,680
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	—	March 1998	£805
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	November 1997	£2,875
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	—	June 1997	£667
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	May 1997	£3,393
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g.	—	November 1996	£2,530
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	November 1996	£2,070
Cello Bow	S/E 77 g.	—	March 1996	£2,070
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	March 1996	£3,220
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	October 1995	£3,680
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	October 1995	£2,645
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	—	October 1995	£2,415
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	June 1995	£2,070
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	—	June 1995	£1,840
Cello Bow	S/E 68 g.	—	March 1995	£2,760
Violin Bow	G/E 64 g.	—	March 1995	£6,900
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	—	March 1995	£6,440
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	March 1995	£4,600
Violin Bow	S/E 68 g.	—	March 1995	£3,565
Violin Bow	G/E 62 g.	—	June 1994	£3,450
Violin Bow	G/E 60 g. 'Exhibition'	—	March 1994	£12,075
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	—	November 1993	£2,300
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	—	November 1993	£1,725
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	—	April 1993	£4,600
Violin Bow	S/E 51 g.	—	April 1993	£2,300
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	—	April 1993	£1,840

Maker Overview

Life

Alfred Joseph Lamy (1850-1919), known as 'Lamy Père', was born on September 8, 1850, in Mirecourt, France, and died in 1919 in Paris. He was the son of Jean Joseph Lamy., he was apprenticed to C. C. N. Husson and schooled in Vuillaume styles. He worked for Gautrot in Chateau-Thierry from 1868 to 1876, applying Husson methods and models. Subsequently, he was employed by F. N. Voirin in Paris, working there from 1877 to 1885. Lamy established his independent business in 1885 at 34 rue Poissonnière in Paris. John Dilworth highlights that he was one of the few classical archetiers who maintained his own distinct brand without having to supply dealers or violin makers who imposed their own. His sons, Georges Léon and Hippolyte Camille, assisted him in his work. Hippolyte Camille succeeded to the business in 1919, following Georges' death in the First World War in 1915.

Characteristics

Workmanship: Alfred Joseph Lamy was a clever and conscientious workman, whose bows were as carefully finished as those of his old master, F. N. Voirin. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he completely dedicated himself to bow making and brought it to great perfection.
Style: He produced very fine bows in the Voirin tradition and particularly fine copies of Tourte.
Materials & Characteristics: Early in his career, Lamy used octagonal sticks, but these were reserved for his early work only. His later work is distinguished by a slightly stronger head.

Influence and legacy

Apprenticeship: Alfred Joseph Lamy was apprenticed to C. C. N. Husson, beginning in 1862 or 1863 in Mirecourt, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
Mentorship: He worked under the Gautrots in Chateau-Thierry and later for F. N. Voirin in Paris. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Lamy considered Voirin his 'eigentlichen Lehrer' (true teacher).
Stylistic Influence: He was schooled in Vuillaume styles and worked to Husson methods and models during his time with Gautrot. His bows are noted to be in the Voirin tradition.
Awards: Alfred Joseph Lamy was awarded medals in the Paris exhibitions, receiving a silver medal in 1889 and a gold medal in 1900, as confirmed by John Dilworth, Cecie Stainer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
Family Continuity: His sons, Georges Léon and Hippolyte Camille, assisted him in his workshop. Hippolyte Camille succeeded him in the business in 1919.

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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

LAMY, Joseph Alfred Born 1850 Mirecourt, died 1919 Paris France. Known as ‘Lamy Père’. Son of Jean Joseph, above. Apprenticed to C. C. N. Husson and schooled in Vuilaume styles. Worked for Gautrot in Chateau-Thierry 1868-1876, working to Husson methods and models. Subsequently employed by F. N. Voirin in Paris. Established independently from 1885 at 34 rue Poissonnière, and remained independent;, one of the few classical archetiers to maintain his own distinct brand without having to supply dealers or violin makers who imposed their own. Awarded medals in the Paris exhibitions of 1889 and 1900. Assisted by his sons Georges Léon and Hippolyte Camille, the latter succeeding to the business 1919 after Georges’ death in the First World War (1915). Very fine bows in the Voirin tradition and particularly fine copies of Tourte. Octagonal sticks used in early work only. Later work distinguished by a slightly stronger head. Branded: A. LAMY A PARIS or A.LAMY [Millant/Raffin]

Cecie Stainer+

A bow maker, b. Sept. 8, 1850, at Mirecourt. In 1863, apprenticed in Mirecourt ; 1866-77, worked under the Gautrots at Chateau-Thierry ; then went to Paris to work with F. N. Voirin ; the latter dying in 1885, Lamy started his own business at 34, rue Poissonniere.
He is a clever and conscientious workman, and his bows are as carefully finished as those of his old master. He brands his bows below the nut with ” A. Lamy, a Paris.” He was awarded a silver medal in 1889, a gold medal 1900.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Er trat 1862 bei Husson in die Lehre, den er 1868 verliess, um bei Gautrot in Chateau-Thierry zu arbeiten. Von 1877—1885 war er bei Franç. Nic. Voirin und betrachtet diesen als seinen eigentlichen Lehrer. Er hat sich ganz auf das Bogenmachen verlegt und hat es darin zu grosser Vollkommenheit gebracht. Seine Bögen tragen nebenstehende Brandmarke. Er erhielt 1889 eine silberne und 1900 auf der Pariser Weltausstellung eine
goldene Medaille.

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