E. M. Penzel Sterling Pernambuco Violin Bow- Erlbach, Germany circa 1920 – CURRENTLY OUT ON TRIAL –

click picture to enlarge

Stamped:

Max Penzel was born in 1887 in Gopplasgrün, Germany. From 1903-1908 he worked in the H.R. Pfretzschner workshop in Markneukirchen. The training he received in this important workshop had a determining influence on his entire career. Sometime between 1908-1910 E. Max Penzel set up his own shop in Erlbach and quickly became the leading bowmaker of his community. Drawn to his workshop because of its good reputation, his workshop became the center of training for most of the known Erlbach bow makers such as W. Eichler, W. Renz, Kurt Dolling, and K Gerhard Penzel, among others. We personally know Mathias Penzel; my age, a relative of the family, and bow maker whose bows are here in the shop.

The proportions on the stick are very nice. Not too thick and the pernambuco is choice. The stick is semi firm and balanced well. It is octagonal in section and the mounts are sterling silver. The camber happens quickly after the head of the bow. The pernambuco wood for this bow was harvested I’m sure in the 1800’s and made its way to the Saxony area of Germany where the log would have been cut up and the best pieces selected for bows. I would have loved to see the barns full of wood stacked and drying. The ebony frog has been made to a T of the typical model of the time being made in Markneukirchen. Max Penzel’s workmanship is beautiful, off the charts nice. The influence of the Pfretzschner workshop is seen in the upward slant of the nose as well as the proportions of the three-part eyes and the three-part button has an enclosed black ring. The metal heel plate is one-piece around the curve of the heel. The bow is in excellent condition and all original. The bow is better than nice. A WOW! in my book, ready for a professional player.

Weight fully haired 62.4 grams