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Violin bow by Hermann Richard Pfretzschner, Markneukirchen, circa 1890
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 violin bow
This violin bow was made in Markneukirchen around 1890.
The round stick is of attractive pernambuco and measures 728 mm in length. The mounts are of nickel and ebony.
The bow weighs 57 grams.
How does it play?
This bow has a broad, warm sound and is utterly reliable. It would make an excellent orchestral partner, particularly if paired with a slightly less predictable violin.
Condition
The bow is in very good condition with some signs of playing.
Certification
The bow comes with the 2025 certificate of Pierre Guillaume.
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this antique violin bow by Hermann Richard Pfretzschner for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.