Jules Fétique (1875-1951)

Jules Fétique (1875-1951) was born into a family of Mirecourt bowmakers. He apprenticed under Émile Miquel and Charles Nicolas Bazin before joining his brother, Victor, in Paris in 1902. Fétique initially worked for Eugène Sartory’s workshop, but in 1917, Fétique was hired by Caressa & Français, and he split his time between the two brands.

Fétique began his own atelier with André Dugad in 1934, which brought an end to his collaboration with Sartory. Bows produced under his own label are stamped “J. Fétique,” “J. Fétique à Paris,” or “Jules Fétique Paris.” However, he continued to produce bows for the Caressa & Français firm, as well as his brother, Victor’s, workshop during this time period.

Fétique’s bows drew acclaim in his lifetime, earning diplomas at the 1927 and 1937 International Paris Exhibitions. Fétique’s work displays Sartory’s strong influence; however, many of his later bows owe their square heads to Dominique Peccatte’s model. Despite a large output over five decades, Fétique’s bows retained a consistently high level of quality and playability.