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Viola bow by Hermann Richard Pfretzschner, Markneukirchen, circa 1890
This viola bow has now sold.
About Hermann Richard Pfretzschner
Hermann Richard Pfretzschner is considered to be one of the very best German bow makers. Part of a large family of instrument makers, he learnt bow making from his father before travelling to Paris to work for Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. Pfretzschner spent just one year with Vuillaume, 1874, before returning home to Germany.
Vuillaume's fame and importance cannot be underestimated: to have spent this year working in the most important Parisian violin and bow shop undoubtedly had a large effect on the young Pfretzschner, refining his work and giving his name great prestige when returning to his native Germany. His work is particularly influenced by Voirin, one of many great bow makers in the Vuillaume workshop.
Pfretzschner established his own Markneukirchen workshop in 1880 and quickly became very successful. In 1901 he was given the honour of being the named purveyor to the Saxon court: after this date Pfretzschner bows bear the royal Saxonian crest on their frogs.
About the viola bow
This viola bow was made in Markneukirchen around 1890.
The round stick is of attractive pernambuco and measures 722 mm in length. The mounts are of silver and ebony.
The bow weighs 64 grams.
How does it play?
This bow would be a great choice for lending subtlety to a brighter instrument. Although well-balanced, it feels enormous to play and creates an almost unbelievably large sound!
Condition
The bow is in very good condition.
Certification
The Ivory Act reference is 29V7Q8ZU.