Adolph Berger Sterling Pernambuco Violin Bow- Markneukirchen 1900-1920

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We have a beautiful classic handmade violin bow by Adolph Berger. Markneukirchen was the place to study/apprentice in Germany and join with a master maker to learn the art of bowmaking. These young men worked long hours, sunup to sundown, for not a high wage; almost just room and board.

The craftsmanship on this bow is excellent: the knife work, mortise chisel work, chamfers, and layout of the camber. For almost 3/4 of the length, the bow stays the same width and shape right through the frog area. The bow is pernambuco, round in section, and has sterling silver mounts. The head is erect and has excellently executed knife work chamfers and a broader back of the head. I see the definite influence of the Nürnberger workshop in the classic blind eye ebony frog and the three-piece endscrew button. Yes, wow- the Nürnberger look for sure. The heel is mother-of-pearl, not silver, and the slide is mother-of-pearl the entire length of the frog. This bow is a gem. Handmade older German work at the peak of that town’s fame. The bow is easy to handle, lightweight, and well-balanced.

Weight fully haired 57.5 grams