H.R. Pfretzschner Cello Bow- Workshop Bow Markneukirchen circa 1920

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In 1914 H.R. Pfretzschner, the father, stepped down as the head of his atelier, leaving his sons a well-operated phenomenal business and workshop. H.R., the father, studied bow making in Paris and was instrumental in introducing contemporary French bow making to Germany in the mid to late 1800’s. Hermann Richard Pfretzschner, along with his employees and his sons Hermann (1876-1958) and Berthold Pfretzschner (1889-1984), made impressive bows. The craftsmanship and quality of this shop was what other bow making shops strove to emulate.

This nickel mounted cello bow comes to us from the Pfretzschner workshop and was made in the early 1920’s. The family brand is in the standard area on the stick and “GERMANY” is branded on the butt of the stick; the bottom flat behind the frog. Pfretzschner bows were renowned and were owned and played by virtually all the top players for over a century. The round stick tapers to a tastefully carved head, and the frog is a Parisian eye model ebony frog with mother-of-pearl eyes and slide. The nickel-mounted bow is finished with a silver three-piece button. We have added an extra end button piece to capture the butt of the stick. This was done to give the back octagonal of the bow more strength. It does not take away from the performance of the bow. This is a Wow! pernambuco specie, firm bow. A great playing stick that is strong, a quality in a bow many cellists look for. The fittings are in German nickel silver and there are no issues. I put this up against bows we sell for three and four thousand. The bow simply plays well. It lays great in the hand and handles off the string articulations better than well. Are you looking for a great playing stick that will hold up another lifetime or two? Have you ever had a gorgeous older bow? This is it! This bow is for the connoisseur looking to play on a little history and excellent German craftsmanship. The Pfretzschner family spanned six generations and were a German bow making dynasty. They had an awesome workshop during the golden age of German bow making. Bringing this bow back to life was a pleasure. A great stick waiting to play on 40 pieces of wood, all carved into a cello.

Weight fully haired 78.0 grams