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Violin Bows
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Click on the image for more detailed photos |
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Unstamped bow by J.J. Martin, Paris, circa 1860
 This silver mounted bow has a round supple stick and is typical of the bows that Martin made for the Vuillaume shop, featuring the Vuillaume style frog with its beveled ferrule and rounded lining. There is a small repair to the tip of the ivory tip face and the wire grip is not original. Otherwise in very good condition. Sold with a certificate by Jean-Francois Raffin of Paris, January 19, 2009. 59.5 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$20,000 |
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Unbranded violin bow by James Tubbs, circa 1870
 Sold with a certificate by Reid Hudson. This is a fine example of an early bow by James Tubbs in surprisingly good condition. The stick is dark, supple and moderately strong. The characteristic Tubbs style head is faced with ivory rather than the silver which is most often seen in his later bows. The silver mounted frog is rounded at the back and is decorated with mother of pearl dots. 59 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$12,000 |
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P. BLANCHARD À LYON
~ SOLD ~ This beautiful well-balanced and strong bow comes with a certificate stating it to be the work of C.N.Bazin of Mirecourt. 60 grams. |
$8,500 |
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M. LAPIERRE
Marcel La Pierre was a good bow maker who established himself in Paris in 1947. This bow is stamped under the frog “1959”, the year it was made. The strong octagonal stick is of beautiful red-brown wood substantial at the balance point and supple behind the head. The silver mounted frog is of very black fine grained ebony. The silver ferrule has been replaced, otherwise the bow is in very good original condition. 60.5 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$7,500 |
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REID HUDSON
 Similar to the gold bow below, this beautiful bow has a fine round stick, real whalebone lapping and a gold tip face. The frog is of dark amber-coloured tortoise shell mounted with gold and holds great beauty. New condition. 60 grams; balance point: 25 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$6,000 |
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REID HUDSON
Reid’s gold bows have been very popular with customers. This beautiful bow has a fine round stick, real whalebone lapping and a gold tip face. The frog is of dark amber-coloured tortoise shell mounted with gold and holds great beauty. New condition. 59 grams; balance point: 25 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$6,000 |
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REID HUDSON
This gold mounted violin bow is based on the same Dominique Peccatte design, with a tortoise shell frog and an ivory tip face, but with real whalebone lapping. 60 grams; balance point: 24 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$6,000 |
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REID HUDSON
~ SOLD ~ This bow has a gold and tortoise shell frog and is a copy of a fine 19th century bow by Dominique Peccatte. Its design is a departure from Reid Hudson’s earlier bows. The player will notice that the frog is higher, shorter and narrower and the graduation of the stick completely different as well. A fascinating bow. 60 grams; balance point: 23.5 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$6,000 |
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G. CONÉ&FILS À LYON
A fine violin bow attributed to the Mirecourt shop of Charles Alfred Bazin circa 1950 for the firm of George Coné & Fils, violin dealers in Lyon. The strong and slender octagonal stick is in excellent condition, though the ivory tip face has been replaced as well as the grip. The silver mounted ebony frog and adjuster are in very good original condition with minor wear. 61 grams; balance point: 25.5 cm. |
$5,500 |
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E. HERRMANN
This bow was made for the New York firm of Emil Herrmann and is well crafted of the best materials. It is strong and stable and gives a dark sound to an instrument and yet is lighter than it seems in the hand. It is original in all its parts and in excellent condition. The octagonal stick has an ivory tip face and the grip is of black whalebone laid with a gold wire. The frog and adjuster are of ebony mounted with gold. 58.5 grams; balance point: 25.5 cm. |
$5,000 |
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CUNIOT HURY
Eugene Cuniot-Hury (1861–1912) was a prolific Mirecourt maker who copied many styles, producing bows under the name of various Parisian shops as well as his own name, and at varying quality levels. This excellent example of a nickel mounted bow has a round stick with a good balance of strength and flexibility. 58 grams; balance point: 23.5 cm. |
$5,000 |
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J HEL A LILLE
The Bazin shop supplied this bow to J. Hel, an important maker and dealer who worked in Lille from 1865 to 1902. It has a nickel mounted ebony frog and adjuster. All parts original except for the grip and in excellent condition. 59 grams; balance point: 22.5 cm. |
$4,800 |
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H&S
~ SOLD ~ William G. Johnston (b 1860 – d 1944) was the foreman in the bow making shop of W.E. Hill & Sons and over 75 years of age when he made this bow in 1937. The wood of the round pernambucco stick is somewhat lighter in colour than many other Hill bows, though its original silver tip face is typical. The silver mounted ebony frog and the silver adjuster appear to be completely original and in fine condition. The silver wire grip is a replacement. This bow is in excellent condition with no apparent repairs. 59.5 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$4,500 |
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W E H & S
~ SOLD ~ This fine bow from the shop of W.E. Hill & Sons was made by Albert Leeson (b 1904 – d 1946), one of their best makers. The round stick is of brown pernambucco and is quite strong with a small knot near the centre of the stick. The silver mounted ebony frog has a mother of pearl slide and plain sides, while the adjuster is covered in silver. All parts are original except for the grip. It is in very good condition with some wear to the handle. 60.5 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$4,500 |
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W E H & S
~ SOLD ~ This is a good bow by Albert Leeson, one of the best makers in the shop of W.E. Hill & Sons. The round stick is of dark red/brown wood and quite strong, despite being not overly heavy. All parts are original except for the grip. It is in very good condition with some wear to the handle. 59 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$4,200 |
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REID HUDSON
This is a good example of Reid’s work. It has a strong round stick, tinsel grip, silver and ebony frog. We have a number of Reid’s bows in stock. 61 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$4,000 |
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LOUIS BAZIN
Louis Bazin was a good maker from the Bazin shop of Mirecourt. This bow has a very strong round stick, tinsel grip, nickel mounted ebony frog and adjuster. Very good condition. 60.5 grams; balance point: 25.5 cm. |
$4,000 |
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REID HUDSON
This bow is cut from the same board as the gold and tortoise shell bow above, and made to the same Dominique Peccatte design. However it has a silver mounted ebony frog and silver wire grip, and is priced accordingly. 60.5 grams; balance point: 24 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$4,000 |
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REID HUDSON
This bow has a round pernambucco stick, light red-brown in colour with an ivory tip face and imitation whalebone grip. It has a silver-mounted ebony frog with a mother-of-pearl slide and a Parisian eye. The one-piece adjuster is covered in silver. There are no visible defects or repairs. 58 grams; balance point 25.5 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$4,000 |
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T. VICTOR
Victor Thomassin was born in France and worked in England after 1900 using the stamp “T. VICTOR” to somewhat conceal his identity. The silver mounted frog, ivory tip face and silver tinsel grip are not original to this bow, but in an appropriate style. This is a healthy, strong and slightly heavy bow and is sold with a certificate by Reid Hudson. 62 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$4,000 |
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C. BAZIN
~ SOLD ~ From the shop of Charles Nicolas Bazin (1847–1915). This is an excellent, though unadorned bow of average workmanship with a strong round stick and typical Bazin style frog. Comfortable under the hand. 60 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$4,000 |
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W E H & S (Also stamped I799)
~ SOLD ~ Sydney Yeoman (1876–1948) was a long serving member of the Hill shop and this bow is a fine example of a lower priced bow from his hands. It is original in all its parts other than the silver wire grip and is in excellent condition. The slender round stick is of moderately dark wood showing flexibility and some strength. An elegant bow, it has been the life long companion of a dedicated musician. 61 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$3,800 |
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*ALBERT NURNBERGER*
~ SOLD ~This fine bow by Albert Nurnberger, one of the most prominent German bow makers of the early 20th century, shows the wear and restoration of many years of playing, especially near the gold mounted ebony frog. The octagonal stick is light and strong. 57 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$3,700 |
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SCHUBACK-DEVILLIERS
 Martin Devilliers is an award winning French bow maker who graduated from the school in Mirecourt in 1975. This beautiful and fine bow was made while working in Paul Schuback’s shop in Portland, Oregon 1975–1982. It has an octagonal stick with an ivory tip face and an imitation whalebone grip. The ebony frog and adjuster are mounted with gold and the adjuster is inlaid with shell. Excellent condition. 61.5 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$3,500 |
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SIEGFRIED FINKEL
~ SOLD ~A top quality silver mounted violin bow from this well known Swiss shop, in near mint condition. The octagonal stick is particularly strong and substantial. 64 grams; balance point: 25.5 cm. |
$3,500 |
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Unstamped bow by Louis Bazin
Louis Bazin (1881–1953) was an important member of the large Bazin family enterprise in Mirecourt. This bow has a nickel mounted ebony frog of personal design. The round stick is of dark red-brown wood and the head is broad and full of character. There is a new grip of silver tinsel, otherwise the bow is in good original condition. There is an old scorch mark in the upper third of the stick. 61 grams; balance point: 26 cm. |
$3,000 |
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EMIL WERNER***
A heavy strong bow made of the best and most substantial materials. The dense dark red-brown wood of the octagonal stick is particularly fine. The silver mounted ebony frog is without flaw. Excellent condition. 66 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$2,500 |
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SARASATE VIRTUOSE MADE IN FRANCE
This silver mounted French violin bow is believed to be from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy shop in Mirecourt circa 1930. There are small repaired cracks in the frog, but generally good condition with noticeable wear. 60 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$2,500 |
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BERNARD P. WALKE
~ SOLD ~ Bernard Walke is a well-known Canadian bow maker working in Ottawa, and the brother of Gregory Walke whose instruments we have for sale as well. This example has a round stick with a silver tip face and silver mounted ebony frog. It is in excellent condition. 59.5 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$2,500 |
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*ADOLF C. SCHUSTER*
~ SOLD ~ Adolf Schuster (1890–1947) was a fine bow maker from Markneukirchen, Germany. This bow is in excellent condition with minimal wear. It has an octagonal stick with an ivory tip face. The silver mounted ebony frog is decorated with a Parisian eye. |
$2,500 |
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TOURTE.L
~ SOLD ~ Though somewhat worn and faded, this mid-19th century French violin bow appears to be completely original and in healthy condition. It likely came from a Mirecourt shop and is stamped “TOURTE.L”. The round stick has a good balance of strength and flexibility. 59 grams; balance point 24.5 cm. |
$2,500 |
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H S
Round pernambucco stick, ivory tip face, silver wire grip, silver/ebony frog with Parisian eye. 62.5 grams; balance point 23.5 cm. (Other Reid Hudson “H S” student bows also available.) |
$2,200 |
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DAPRE–PECCATTE, France, circa 1930
Attributed to the Thibouville-Lamy shop of Mirecourt, this bow has a fine round stick with an ivory tip face and silver wire grip. The silver mounted ebony frog has been newly restored for a better fit to the stick. The divided adjuster is of silver and ebony. This bow is in good condition. 62 grams; balance point 25 cm. |
$2,000 |
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Unstamped Chinese bow
 This is a good quality unstamped Chinese bow in very good condition. The round stick has an ivory tip face and imitation whalebone grip. The gold mounted tortoise shell frog has a mother of pearl slide and dot. The divided adjuster of gold and whalebone is inlaid with dots and lozenges. 62.5 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$2,000 |
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ALBERT NURNBERGER
This commercial German bow bearing the name of Albert Nurnberger was probably made circa 1950. It has a fine octagonal stick, nickel mounted ebony frog and adjuster, and is in very good condition. 56 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$2,000 |
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PA.........
The stamp on this older silver mounted French violin bow has been worn away so that all that is visible is “PA..........”. This bow has been extensively restored by Reid Hudson, with a new ivory tip face, new grip and new adjuster. It is fairly light and elastic, with enough strength for many good players. In very good restored condition. 57 grams; balance point 23 cm. |
$1,850 |
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FRANCE (stamped behind frog)
This good quality bow from an unknown Mirecourt shop circa 1930 is in very good condition. It is a strong round bow and slightly heavy. The nickel mounted ebony frog has a mother of pearl slide and dot and the adjuster is covered in nickel. The grip and the ivory tip face are replacements. 63 grams; balance point: 24.5 grams. |
$1,800 |
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Unstamped old German bow
~ SOLD ~ An interesting silver and ebony bow in very good condition. Nice slender and strong octagonal stick. 61.5 grams. |
$1,700 |
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HOYER HP PARISER
In comparison to many of our other German bows this bow by Otto Hoyer is very light and elegant. The round stick is of beautiful light coloured wood with an ivory tip face and silver wire grip. The nickel mounted ebony frog has plain sides and the adjuster is covered in nickel. 55 grams; balance point: 23.5 grams. |
$1,600 |
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Unstamped German bow
~ SOLD ~ This German bow has a particularly slender round stick made of strong choice pernambucco. It is a very good playing bow with perfect weight and balance. There is an ivory tip face and a silver wire grip. The silver mounted ebony frog has a mother of pearl slide and dot. The divided adjuster is of ebony and silver. There are some minor repairs to the lining of the frog, otherwise in good condition. 60 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$1,500 |
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E. SARTORY À PARIS
This German bow is nicely made and strong. The round stick is of dark dense wood and has an ivory tip face and imitation whalebone grip. The ebony frog is mounted with silver and is decorated with a Parisian eye. Excellent condition. 61 grams; balance point: 25.5 cm. |
$1,500 |
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A. VIGNERON À PARIS
From a German shop circa 1975, this silver mounted violin bow has a round stick, a silver wire grip, ivory tip face and ebony frog. 62 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$1,500 |
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Unstamped silver mounted bow
This bow has a lovely half silver mounted ebony frog and one piece silver adjuster which apparently once adorned a lower priced bow from the Hill shop, circa 1930. The frog and adjuster are in mint condition and the under slide is stamped “K”. The round stick is a later replacement and is somewhat lighter in colour than the original probably was. It has an ivory tip face and a silver wire grip. Excellent condition. 57 grams; balance point: 23.5 cm. |
$1,250 |
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DURRO
~ SOLD ~ This slender German bow has a nickel mounted ebony frog with a slightly rounded ferrule, a nickel adjuster and bears the trade name of Buegeleisen & Jacobson (B&J) Music of New York. The octagonal stick has been carefully graduated by the maker giving it a sense of strength and substance beyond its actual weight. This bow is in excellent condition except for the tip of the ivory and scrapes to the frog and the stick just behind the head, apparently from the bow holder of a cheap case. This may be from the Knopf shop circa 1920. 57 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$1,200 |
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Unstamped Mirecourt bow, circa 1900
~ SOLD ~ This interesting old bow has a flexible stick of pretty figured wood and a replacement tip face. The nickel mounted ebony frog and adjuster are apparently original, thought the silver wire grip is likely a modern replacement. Very good condition. 59 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$1,200 |
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Violin Bows in 3/4 size
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REID HUDSON
A fine silver mounted violin bow in 3/4 size from Reid Hudson of Duncan, BC. 53 grams; balance point: 20.5 cm. See www.reidhudson.com. |
$2,500 |
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Other bows under $1,000
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PAESOLD
German bow faintly stamped “PAESOLD”. Though of humble workmanship this is a good playing solid bow in good condition with some wear to the handle. The frog is in good condition and fits the stick very well. 62 grams; balance point: 24 cm. |
$1,000 |
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BRIAN JOHNSON
~ SOLD ~ Brian Johnson is a player in the Regina Symphony who studied bow making with John Norwood Lee of Chicago. This bow is a typical example of his work with a dark brown octagonal stick and a silver mounted frog of ivory laminated to an ebony core. The frog and adjuster are decorated with abalone shell. It is in excellent condition. 60.5 grams; balance point: 23.5 cm. |
$800 |
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Unstamped German bow
~ SOLD ~ This older bow has an excellent strong round stick of particularly fine wood. The handle of the stick has been grafted under the silver grip and is slightly larger than the adjuster, though the original silver mounted ebony frog fits well. The previous owner of this bow bought it from Max Moller in Amsterdam in the 1930’s where the repair was apparently done. Good repaired condition, strong and well balanced. 60 grams; balance point: 24.5 cm. |
$750 |
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BLAISE a MONTREAL
~ SOLD ~ This interesting and eccentric bow features a silver mounted frog inlaid with the planet Saturn on one side and the moon within a ring on the other. The round pernambucco stick has an elongated head with an ivory tip face. There is a silver wire grip and the adjuster is covered in silver. In good condition except for small cracks in the ivory. 60 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$700 |
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FRANCE (branded behind frog)
~ SOLD ~ The overall impression of this older French bow is one of grace and style despite the rough finishing in areas such as the adjuster and the chamfers of the head. The dark round stick is of fine Brazilwood with an ivory tip face and a replacement tinsel grip. The nickel mounted ebony frog has an attractive plastic slide and mother of pearl dots. The divided adjuster is of nickel and ebony. There are no apparent repairs. 59 grams; balance point: 25 cm. |
$500 | |
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We have several other good bows in the $200 to $600 range. Please enquire.
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