Non-Stamped German Cello Bow circa 1940

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This is another bow from my collection of sticks acquired with the help of my dad back in the late 1970’s. I was a young high school kid living in the metro New York/ New Jersey area and totally into all things violin, umpiring, and playing baseball. For many years my dad took me to estate sales, private sales, and instrument auctions. This bow has been laying in a large cello bow box for over 40 years. I finally completed this bow today, the day after the Yankees lost the World Series to the LA Dodgers. No, not frustrated, I’m a huge Mets fan.

This is a German trade bow with no maker’s name on the bow. Many bows at the turn of the century up to World War II came to market without a maker’s name. They were placed with instrument outfits to make the outfit more saleable. These outfits were sold throughout Europe and the States. The skill of craftsmanship is evident in this trade bow that is octagonal in section, nickel mounted, and pernambuco specie. The bow plays well and is strong. It surprised me. The camber is gradual from the head and the stick has some girth throughout the length.

The stick has orange/brown color, clarity to the wood grain, and is firm in its nature. It has a Parisian eye ebony frog with mother-of-pearl eyes and a slide of beautiful color. The bow is nickel mounted and finished with a three-piece silver and ebony adjuster. It has some natural wear and patina, nothing unusual for its age. This is a sound player, perfect for a younger player who is getting serious about their cello.

Weight fully haired 83.1 grams