Oskar C. Meinel Violin Bow – Markneukirchen Area circa 1930

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Stamped:

We have an excellent German bow made in the Markneukirchen area around 1930. The bow is stamped and carries the insignia on the frog. There is no “Germany” stamp on the butt of the bow. The bow could have been made slightly before 1930 as that year the Roth Shop started stamping the country of origin on bows made for them. Everything on the bow is original and in excellent condition. I have only replaced the leather lapping and thumb, which encapsulates the sterling winding on both ends. The bow is pernambuco, octagonal in section, and sterling silver mounted. The color in the wood is a deep orange/brown and the stick shows just a little normal playing wear at the frog where the stick would be handled. The head shows Nürnberger influence, strong masculine erect head and medium length point. The head rises soon after the opening tip area. The head and the ivory facial are all original. The knife work in the head and the block planning of the facets was done by no mere 2nd or 3rd year maker. The bow was made by an experienced maker. The slide in the frog has a mother-of-pearl full of color. The mother-of-pearl eyes follow suit but are a little more subtle. The ferrule has a back angle and a little more protrusion at the top of the ferrule. The chisel work in the frog and mortises are executed at a high level of craftsmanship. More evidence that an experienced hand made this bow. The frog is Parisian eye model and carries the insignia/crest. The lining of the frog is held to the frog by two small silver screws. The frog and the head are great examples of 1900-1930 Markneukirchen area work. The pearl eyes are 4.0 mm in diameter and have a 1.0 mm ring of ebony around the eye. The pernambuco wood is firm. I can feel its strength when I tension the hair to play. This is a well-made bow and has no flaws. The stick is thoroughly thought out, balanced, and easily handles off the string articulations.

Weight fully haired 61.4 grams