Francois Lotte (1889–1970) was a French archetier / bow maker. Son of George Lotte who was a luthier/violin maker in the Vuillaume shop. Francois Lotte received his training in the best French tradition, initially apprenticed with Bazin. In 1919 he married Marguerite Ouchard, daughter of Emile Francois Ouchard and sister of Emile Auguste Ouchard. Francois later went on to work for Cuniot-Hury (between 1922-1925). By 1926 he set up his own business in Paris.
His bows are often stamped with the stamp of the shop or maker he was working for or not stamped at all. His bows are elegant, precise, excellent in workmanship and combine good playing and sound qualities. [1] He left a large number of bows of very good quality. Many bows are mounted in silver as well as maillechort/nickel mounted. Authentic Lotte bows are increasing in demand providing very good price/quality relation.
His brands include:
His son Roger Francois Lotte, born 1922, took over the shop around 1960. Francois the father continued to make bows until his sudden death in 1970.[2]