WM Lewis & Son 4/4 Size Cello Bow circa 1955

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William Lewis (1835-1902), bow maker from Germany, founded one of the largest violin houses in the United States in 1874. Originally, the business was named Lewis, Newell, and Gibbs, his partners when he first opened. Later the music store was renamed the Chicago Music Company. The name was finally changed to William Lewis & Son when Frederick Lewis joined the firm. Bows were made in the Markneukirchen area of Germany and imported to America branded “WM. LEWIS & SON.” The cello bow has the traditional Lewis brand and is round section with nickel silver fittings.

This full size cello bow is pernambuco wood and has a good camber that occurs quickly after the head of the stick. The ebony frog has single pearl eyes, is fully lined, and has a two-piece endscrew. This German trade bow has good German bones, made in the late 1950’s. Yes, I like the stick. A sleeper for sure for a cello bow. A nice bow, with no maker’s name at a good price. The bow is semi-firm, plays well, and is easy to handle.

Weight fully haired 79.5 grams