German Trade Violin Bow Stamped CONSERVATORY circa 1930

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During the post World War I era many German shops left off the makers name and origin on the stick. Bow makers would brand a bow with a nondescript music name or with a French or Italian maker’s name to market the bow. Purposely, there are no other markings on the stick to show origin. The bow would have simply been placed in a violin outfit headed for sale at a music company. The West, especially England and America, were purposely not importing items coming from Germany.

I’ve had these older bows piled in a few large boxes since my high school days. These sticks are very cost effective to restore, especially considering what is happening with pernambuco wood in South America. This German bow is old pernambuco specie wood in a light-colored orange/brown color. The grain is tight, light in overall gram weight, and easy to handle. The stick is octagonal in section, nickel mounted with single mother-of-pearl eyes in the frog, and subtle color in the pearl work.

Some bow restorations take dozens of hours and a few like this stick only took about six hours of work. We meticulously went over the bow replacing the tip, winding, and leathers. The bow got a good cleaning and then the stick received a clear French polish before the new winding and leathers went on to the stick. The bow has a good degree of firmness and flex. Yes, this bow is a good playing piece of pernambuco Are you a fiddler or player looking for great control on a bow? This may be your next bow. This bow has great bones all under the umbrella of German workmanship. The stick is in very good condition, plays well, is light in the hand, classic color and
gorgeous wood, yet, with no famous maker’s name.

Weight fully haired 57.0 grams