F. R. Hellmer Pernambuco Sterling Silver Violin Bow – Markneukirchen Area 1931

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Stamped:

Germany and especially the Markneukirchen area are where violin making and bow making shops thrived from the end of the 19th century up to 1938. As the violin rose in popularity second only to the piano, better bows were needed to fill the cases of better and higher quality violins being made. That’s where this bow steps in. I believe this bow is a high quality trade bow, and so much more. This bow was made in a shop where many apprentices and journeymen were focused on just making bows for the instrument trade. Apprentices in the late 18th and early 19th century began as young men, some even as teenagers, and worked farmer hours sometimes, sunup to sundown. If the apprentice showed potential they stayed on and were paid better; if not they were soon dismissed.

This violin bow is stamped ** F.R. HELLMER** with no real makers name on the stick. The bow is also stamped GERMANY and has the number 53 stamped on one of the flats too. The Hellmer name exists for violin makers and of older generations earlier than 1931 – but not for bow making. The bow is also stamped with the year 1931 under the frog on the pernambuco stick which is a definite WOW! In my book. This stick is so much better than any trade bow, it has so many other details and delicate work. The maker was a skilled craftsman, the wood choice is way above grade, it is excellent, firm yet on the thinner side. The throat behind the head is tapered well and leaves no doubt in my mind that craftsman was experienced. The stick is round section and has sterling silver mounts.

The head is gorgeous, strong and not being too big. The tip now has a new facial and I gave the bow a new sterling silver winding with new leather in the lapping and the thumb. The frog has single pearl eyes, abalone with some slight hues of color. The lining is attached to the frog with two tiny bronze screws, and the octagonal button sterling cap has an extra turn in the collar. The bow is in excellent condition and will become a fantastic tool to create sound on a violin. I love the feel and playability of this German bow.

Weight fully haired 59.6 grams