A superb condition German violin bow from the H.R. Pfretzschner workshop in Markneukirchen, c.1890. It comprises a round pernambuco stick with a plain, silver mounted ebony frog; the adjuster of ebony fully sheathed in silver; the lapping of silver wound on silk. It is stamped “H.R. Pfretzschner” on the near side facet of the handle and the Saxon Coat of Arms on the near side of the frog.

Hermann Richard Pfretzschner worked for J.B. Vuillaume in Paris in the early 1870’s and went on to establish his own workshop in Markneukirchen at the end of that decade. He was to become one of the best and most important bow makers in Saxony, producing bows for the court in Dresden and subsequently being allowed to use the Saxon Coat of Arms on his bows. He built and headed a large and productive workshop which survived his death in 1921.

This is a fantastic playing bow and would be suitable for the advanced student or professional player.

Reference: VNB.820