Eugene Sartory Violin Bow, Paris circa 1935

One more great Sartory, this time an octagonal stick – it’s an exceptionally beautiful bow in very good condition.

Sartory bows enjoy a unique popularity amongst players, dealers and collectors alike. Please do read my article on the subject.

From 1930 onwards roughly half of Sartory’s bows were octagonal – I’m not sure of his reasons, but I’ve always preferred his octagonal sticks. This stick is of golden orange pernambuco, speckled and slghtly veined, mounts are silver and ebony.

Overall the condition is outstanding – almost no wear, a very crisp brand, and only a tiny dunt in the stick near the head on the audience side. However, there are two minor crack repairs in the frog.

There’s very little to be said about this bow – everything is balanced and harmonious. Weight, flexibility, response – all just right. The sound is broad, fruity and slightly gritty, and the stick is supple, nervy, full of energy.

If your violin needs a bit of livening up, this bow will do it – lots of overtones and a nice deep core.

Just a very satisfying and musical bow which would work for any kind of player and any repertoire.