A Fine Violin Bow By Heinrich August Rau- Markneukirchen circa 1900

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We have a gorgeous gold mounted violin bow that all signs point to a fine Markneukirchen bow made by August Rau. August Rau (1866-1951) is an important maker in the history of German bows. This is a very nice example of his bow work and his technical and artistic execution. We have completely gone over the bow in our workshop and cut a new facial tip for the bow. I left the sterling silver winding that was already on the bow. A previous player changed the winding to give a more balanced feel and assist in the performance level of the bow. German bows, unlike their French counterparts, were usually heavier completed sticks, especially in gold mounts. This change to the winding does not detract from the bow at all and I believe adds to its charm. The stick is darker red brown pernambuco, octagonal in section, and mounted in gold and ebony. There are no condition issues other than a small amount of wear on the three-piece gold endscrew. The bow is just under 60 grams at 59.4 grams fully haired.

August Rau bows receive much attention because of how his bows play for sure. He also received accolades because of who he took the time to study with. He was not one of these makers who took off for France to learn a different set of techniques and felt the need to associate his name with who he had worked with in Paris. He remained in the famous artistry town of Markneukirchen and came up through the ranks to become a fine and respected maker. August Rau apprenticed to the Nürnberger shop and then Wilhelm Knopf, also an employee of Weichold, before establishing his own business in Markneukirchen. The bow plays well and can handle a strong player’s touch. The stick is firm but also lively for its weight, able to handle intricate off-the-string articulations. This bow will bring out the core of an instrument. It is a German stick that lacks nothing, ready for another 80 – 100 years. A find for the serious player.

Weight fully haired 59.4 grams