Leon Pique Sterling Pernambuco Violin Bow – West Germany circa 1950-1955

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Stamped:

We have a sterling silver mounted violin bow, pernambuco, octagonal section. The frog is a Parisian eye model, and it is fully lined; the silver heel and lining are held to the ebony with fine silver pins. The solid silver button cap is octagonal in section with a bevel and a turned collar and held with a silver pin. The pernambuco stick, head, and jewelry work show me very nice workmanship. This was not a bow intended for a student. This is a higher-grade bow. I have given the bow a thorough cleaning, new tip facial in bone, a new silver winding with leather lapping, and a thumb grip. The pernambuco has some nice flex and the stick color, dark red/brown, is beautiful. I cleaned and finished the stick by hand rubbing and applying linseed oil into the stick. The bow has no issues.

After World War II in Germany violin and bow makers were trying to survive. German products were, understandably, not very popular. This French maker’s name was stamped on the bow; Leon Pique was a bow maker in Mirecourt and Paris. Pique was an established maker from the late 1800’s until 1940.

The German craftsmanship in the jewelry work in the frog and plane work on the pernambuco facets are evidence to the quality of the bow work coming from this German workshop. The bow was then imported to the states and has nothing to really do with the French maker stamped on the bow. Economic marketing, simply survival for a shattered Germany soon after the war. The bow was imported sometime in the early 1950’s, possibly to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or New York, to be sold in a violin shop. I have had it in my collection for over two years and finally have it restored and showroom ready. If you’re looking for a pernambuco stick and German workmanship in a very decent bow, this is it. It is easily over 70 years old.

Weight fully haired 61.5 grams