TOURTE Brand German Trade Cello Bow- Markneukirchen circa 1915-1920

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This is an interesting cello bow, perfect for the player looking for something different with no real makers name stamped. Tourte was a famous Parisian maker and violin shop owner of the 19th century. This bow was made in a workshop in or around the town of Markneukirchen, Germany, not Paris. Historically, Markneukirchen was the German hub of the string trade for centuries. Because of the tremendous growth in violin making during the 1800’s the bow trade followed and became just as well known. In this period many bow making families flourished, employing dozens of craftsmen to meet the need for bows. This is one of those bows from a family shop, but from the early 20th century.

This is another bow from my collection of over 40 years, living and growing up in the New York/New Jesey metropolitan area. As a teenager my father would take me to many estate sales and auctions. We would purchase dozens of old violins/violas/cellos and their bows. Sometimes bunches of old bows all tied up for sale. I’m averaging one or two bows per week getting restored. I love the detail of bow work and have about 400 bows to complete.

Our cello bow is old pernambuco wood, round in section, and mounted in nickel silver. firm in makeup and shows no flaws. The color of the pernambuco is amber/brown with a touch of orange. The bow has fine pin work in the metal lining of the frog and a solid nickel silver end screw. The frog has a faceted ferule to match the exaggerated chamfers on the bottom edge. The wood is darker in the playing area of the stick. This indicates a player handling the bow frequently and that the bow was just oiled in its origin. Good signs to me. The stick is not thick or unruly. The single pearl eyes are set into the frog without a silver ring. The round eyes in the frog are 8.0 mm. diameter mother-of-pearl. This size is very different: big, even for a cello bow. The trade bow is balanced well, light in total weight, and is active. The original winding and leather were totally worn through and discolored. We replaced these problems and carved a new facial to the tip. A player from another half century ago loved this stick and really took care of it. The bow has natural wear, nothing unusual, and feels great in the hand. If you’re looking for something different in a cello bow for your quiver of bows, this may be it. Yes, a different look, in very good condition, older German workmanship, no known maker, light in the hand and plays well.

Weight fully haired 78.2 grams.