Marc Laberte (1880-1963) is known principally for being the director of the firm of Laberte-Humbert Frères which established itself in Mirecourt as one of the foremost producers of very good trade instruments and bows. He was though a superb violinmaker and bowmaker. After that firm's merger in 1920 with Fournier Magnié the business expanded and reached its zenith of very high standards. Management was eventually left in the hands of Laberte's son, Philippe, which left Laberte free to focus on making instruments and bows.

This bow tends to the heavy side, it is firm and imbues any violin with clarity and focus. It articulates well and is superbly balanced and steady.

This bow is clearly old but in superb condition - the stamp LABERTE (upside down in the usual place) is barely legible, leading one to conclude that it dates from Laberte's early days. Whether the frog and adjuster are still the original is debatable, but one is immediately struck by the supremely slender and elegant head - much a characteristic of Laberte's bows.