H. R. Pfretzschner Violin Bow – Markneukirchen circa 1900-1905 – SOLD OCTOBER 6, 2022 –

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Hermann Richard Pfretzschner (1857-1921) was born in Markneukirchen in into a family of fine bow makers. H.R. first learned the art of bow making from his father Carl Richard Pfretzschner. H.R. demonstrated a high level of talent and a head for business as an early age. After years of training, he moved to Paris in 1874 to work with J.B. Vuillaume, who recognized his skill. In Paris, he met Charles Husson, whom he worked alongside for many years at the Vuillaume shop. Hermann Richard Pfretzschner was a bow maker but also an entrepreneur. He was a pioneer of French bow making in Germany and he created new standards in the industry even while in Paris. After Villaume’s death in 1875, H.R. returned to the family business, eventually establishing his own shop in Markneukirchen in 1880. He was able to supply many bows made in the French style to German firms and beyond. H.R. Pfretzschner is an important maker in the history of bows, and he was given a royal title of “Purveyor to the Royal Saxonian Court” by the king of Saxony, a testimony to his work.
Our bow is in very good condition. It is a WOW! Pernambuco specie, round section, sterling silver mounts, with a blind eye ebony frog. The frog is stamped with the Pfretzschner logo on the player side. The bow has a gorgeous sterling silver tip. The bow is in exquisite condition and is branded on the players side H.R. PFRETZSCHNER. The frog also contains a brand on the audience side MADE IN GERMANY. The bow is of historical significance and ready for the serious player

Weight fully haired 59.0 grams.