James Dodd Violin Bow, London circa 1830

This is a beautiful early 19th century English violin bow branded “Dodd” but bearing more than a slight resemblance to the work of Thomas Tubbs. Excellent condition and a beautiful refined sound.

The early modern bows made by the London makers are still to be fully classified. However, there’s no doubt as to the quality of much of this work, which at its best rivals that of the Tourte family.

This example dates in my view from around 1830 – it has no underslide and the head is quite archaic. It’s a fascinating bow, purposeful and artistic in conception.The stick is of octagonal section orange-brown pernambuco with a bold random figure, mounts are silver and ebony (the frog is half-mounted).

The condition is excellent throughout. The onlyissue to report is a tiny lift in one of the diagonal facets of the stick around two thirds of the way up…

These early English bows have something of a cult following – the best of them offer the tonal and physical characteristics of French bows of the period such as Tourte, Eury and Persoit, but at a fraction of the price.

This bow is a perfect example – a beautifully refined and noble sound, open and clear, combined with a supple but perfectly balanced stick.