Non-Stamped Early 20th Century Violin Bow- Markneukirchen circa 1900-1920

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This is an excellent older violin bow from the Markneukirchen area of Germany. There are no markings at all to indicate the maker nor the county of origin. Given that it is a wonderfully made bow, German for sure, it deserved to have the maker’s name on the stick. I believe the bow was made in a fine Markneukirchen area shop. The pernambuco is medium-dark orange/brown color, in round section. The frog is made with tiny tapered pins in the heel of the frog. The frog is handmade, looks slightly smaller in stature, and feels great in the hand. The frog pin work, which is old school, and the old dark ebony with single 8.0mm. mother-of-pearl eyes also finish off the look. The button is three-piece and concludes in the ebony, not a pearl eye.

In the 1800’s and early 1900’s each workshop handled the branding of their sticks differently. Each shop had their own standards and non-branding was common. The stick is beautiful, the pernambuco wood, which is the heart and soul of the bow, is where you start as a bow maker. I believed this bow deserved sterling but received nickel in the mounting of the frog and the wind. Pernambuco wood aids in the sound and projection of your violin. These bows are in high demand at our shop. Subtle differences in the wood are so important in a bow because they affect the playing qualities of a finished bow. Making a bow that will create the best sound off an instrument requires skill and craftsmanship at a very high level. Bow making is one of the few remaining artistic crafts that have not been replaced with machinery. Each piece of pernambuco has its own unique attributes, including strength, density, and tonal quality that the maker must consider as they shape a bow. The wood must be able to bend in the presence of heat and then retain its shape when cooled. Pernambuco ‘s strength and flexibility result in excellent memory. Players are looking for balance in the bow’s handling, stability in the piece of wood, connection with the strings, and a responsiveness that allows the bow to feel like an extension of their arm. Your bow must also articulate complex bowing passages with ease. The bow is such an important part of your playing. This bow handles very well and feels awesome in my hand. It’s a great bow with older wood; the pernambuco harvested in the 1800’s, carved into a bow in the early 1900’s, jewelry work in nickel, and cut in round section. This bow is a must try for the price.

Balance Point of the bow is at 24.2 cm

Weight fully haired 60.0 grams