E. M. Penzel Violin Bow- Erlbach, Germany circa 1910-1920

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Max Penzel (1887-1953) was born in Gopplasgrün, Germany. He worked for a few years in the H. R. Pfretzschner Markneukirchen workshop. The training he received in this important workshop had a large influence on his later career. Sometime between 1908 and 1910, E. Max Penzel set up his own shop in Erlbach, southern Germany, (about 70 miles due east of Munich) and quickly became the leading bow maker of this area. Many apprentices and makers were drawn to his workshop because of its good reputation, and his shop became the center of training for most of the known Erlbach bow makers, such as W. Eichler, W. Renz, Kurt Dölling, and K. Gerhard Penzel among others.

This bow is pernambuco, octagonal-section, and sterling silver in its mounts. The ebony frog is classic blind eye, which was one of the basic models of his time in the early 20th century. The proportions of the stick and its balance are excellent. I have replaced the facial tip of the bow, removed the old silver winding and replaced it with new, and gave it a new leather thumb. The frog and the stick are all original and in excellent condition. The stick is orange/brown in color and the firmness and density of the wood is awesome. Max Penzel’s head of the bow is based on a Lamy model with a slight upward slant design of the nose, a technique he learned at the Pfretzschner shop. The button on the bow is exquisite, octagonal in its makeup with mother-of-pearl facets in the center section and a round mother-of-pearl eye end. The silver heel is attached with fine silver pin work, and the lining is attached to the frog with two very small silver screws. Wow, the craftsmanship on the bow is beautiful. His jewelry work and wood working skills are excellent. The bow is handmade and ready for a new home.

Weight fully haired 57.5 grams