Certified bow - Violin bow (No reserve price)

The stick is crafted from pernambuco wood, known for its strength, flexibility, and resonance, which is commonly used in high-quality violin bows. Pernambuco is preferred for its tonal qualities and durability, ensuring both control and stability for the player.

Frog and Button

The frog is made of ivory, a material that was traditionally used in fine bows for its aesthetics and weight balance but is now restricted due to conservation laws. The frog design features a round eye, which is common in bows of classical European craftsmanship, particularly from the French school. The button is round with a collar, matching the style often seen in French bows from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Grip

The grip consists of a leather wrapping combined with a metal winding, which serves to balance the bow’s weight distribution. This combination helps to counterbalance the tip and provide a secure grip for the player.

Hair

The bow hair is light-colored, indicating high-quality horsehair, typically sourced from Mongolia or Siberia due to its thickness and durability, which is essential for consistent sound production. Quality horsehair allows for a better grip on the strings and improved responsiveness.

Tip

The tip is sharp and well-defined, likely protected with an ivory or synthetic overlay, which is a traditional feature in fine bows. This design element not only protects the wood from wear but also influences the bow’s balance and playability.

Unique Features

An interesting feature of this bow is the use of ivory for both the frog and button, which is less common in contemporary bows due to legal restrictions on ivory. This feature points to the bow’s age and potentially places it as a collector’s item or an antique.

Stamp

There is a visible stamp on the bow, although the exact name is unclear from the provided details. Stamps are commonly used by master bow makers to authenticate their work, and many French and German makers from the 18th to 19th centuries used them as a hallmark. The presence of this stamp indicates that the bow was likely made by a recognized workshop or luthier with a distinct stylistic signature.

Damage

Visible wear is present on the wood near the frog, and some scratches are apparent, indicating age and frequent use. This wear is typical in older bows and can affect the aesthetics but often does not impact the playability if the structural integrity remains intact. The hair must be replaced in the near future.

Style, Influence, and Construction Methods

The bow’s construction aligns closely with the French school of bow making, characterized by its delicate yet robust design, offering both finesse and power. This style, pioneered by makers like François Tourte, who is often regarded as the father of the modern bow, influenced bow making across Europe, particularly in the use of pernambuco wood and specific design elements like the round eye on the frog. The round collar on the button and the overall curvature of the stick also hint at French influences, emphasizing balance, control, and tonal richness.

Original Builder Influence

If the stamp aligns with a specific French or German workshop, this would provide further insights into the builder’s identity and the bow’s historical context. Bows from prominent workshops like those of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume or later 19th-century French and German makers were often influenced by Tourte’s methods and aimed at achieving similar quality in terms of playability and craftsmanship.

In summary, this bow exhibits high craftsmanship, characteristic of classical European—particularly French—influence, with quality materials such as pernambuco wood and ivory fittings. The details of the frog, button, and the overall design align with techniques perfected in the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a potentially valuable and historically significant piece.

Measurements:
Total Length: Approximately 75 CM
Stick Length: Approximately 63 cm
Frog Length: Approximately 6.5 cm
Frog Width: Approximately 2.5 cm
Frog Height: Approximately 3.5 cm
Balance Point: Varies, but typically around 19-20 cm from the frog end
Weight bow: approximately 60 grams



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Pictures in this auction are part of the description.