Non-Stamped German E.H. Roth Shop Trade Viola Bow circa 1930

click picture to enlarge

German viola bow, nickel mounted, pernambuco specie, round in section. The Roth shop, while in Markneukirchen, hired many workers and I believe enlisted other shops to make bows and instruments. Sometimes the firm outsourced or subbed out the work to meet the demands of all the purchasing that was happening from 1905-1940. Their business flourished and the demand for more bows was evident. This is one of those bows from their workshop or a nearby making shop. In a book of Markneukirchen makers there are nearly 50 pages, with additional listings for many surrounding towns and villages. In one square kilometer around Markneukirchen alone there were 30 small places working to supply the business in the violin trade. The were many people involved, it blossomed and became the primary trade in the area. In my readings and research, I’ve seen that there has never been a time before or since the 19th and early 20th centuries when one part of the world produced so many instruments and bows. All of this creativity and building has had a profound effect on music education, conservatories, church music in the West, and gave jobs to thousands over time. Way to go Markneukirchen and your entire area! I can’t pinpoint the exact shop or who the maker is; the area Yes! but not the maker. This bow was made for the Roth shop, possibly in one of those small shops in the Markneukirchen area. The craftsmanship and quality of the bow is very nice, with pin work in the end button and frog’s silver lining. The bow is all original except for the new thumb leather. This bow cleaned up well revealing nice pernambuco wood, which is firm, straight, and tight. The color is a beautiful orange/brown, the camber gradual, and the overall gram weight is on the lighter side of viola bow norms. Yes, I like the bow. A well-made German stick that will make a great addition to your viola bow quiver. Yes, an 80-90 year old bow priced to sell. I wish it was completed in sterling silver mounts; the price would be $400 more.

Weight fully haired 68.6 grams