H. R. Pfretzschner Workshop Trade Viola Bow- Markneukirchen circa 1920-1930

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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. 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 Berthod Pfretzschner (1889-1984), made impressive bows. The craftsmanship and quality of this shop was what other bow making shops strove to emulate. The Pfretzschner family and workshop spanned six generations and were a German bow making dynasty.

Our nickel mounted viola bow comes to us from the Pfretzschner workshop. This bow is considered a trade bow, made in the shop not identifying the exact maker. The bow was made in the decade or so following World War I. The family brand is in the standard area on the stick and “GERMAN” is branded on the butt of the stick, the bottom flat behind the frog. Pfretzschner bows were renowned and owned and played by virtually all the top players for over a century.

The octagonal pernambuco stick tapers and is tastefully incremented throughout the camber. The frog features single pearl eyes, and a mother-of-pearl slide. The nickel-mounted bow is finished with a nickel three-piece button. We gave the bow a good cleaning and oiling, then a new winding, leathers, and a new tip. This is a very decent playing bread and butter bow. The fittings are German nickel silver and there are no issues. The bow plays well and is not heavy.

Are you looking for a decent playing German stick that will hold up another lifetime? Have you ever wondered what an older bow might sound like on your viola? The stick is lightweight and easy to handle. They had an awesome workshop employing many during the golden age of German bow making. Nickel mounted, pernambuco wood, octagonal in its section.

Weight fully haired 65.5 grams