Viola Bows
Alfred Knoll Viola Bow, circa 1970
£2,500
This is an excellent gold-mounted bow by Alfred Knoll – according to Hartmut Knoll it dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s, although it looks brand new. It’s a very attractive bow of octagonal section red pernambuco, and it plays like a dream, not too stiff, not too slappy – silky would be the best word to describe the action and the sound. I would recommend it for an aspiring soloist – it’s clean, lively and very responsive. And it’s in perfect condition. More details
Roger François Lotte Viola Bow, Mirecourt circa 1970
£3,000
This is a lovely bow by Roger Lotte carrying his own later brand. It’s a classic example of his work with a rounded heel, Parisian eye, and a Simon-like backwards curve to the head. The fine red pernambuco is also typical – round in section, with mounts of silver and ebony. The condition is excellent.
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Garner Wilson Viola Bow, Dingwall circa 2000
£3,000
Garner Wilson was one of the last of the Hill makers, and his work embodies the Hill tradition. Made with precision, well balanced, utterly reliable … More details
August Edwin Prager Viola Bow, Schönlind circa 1920
£3,500
Edwin Prager was a less prolific maker than his brother Gustav, but his work is very refined and slightly more sought after. This is a beautiful example in excellent condition, originally sold by Beare & Son More details
Garner Wilson Viola Bow, Dingwall circa 1990
£4,500
Garner ‘Tug’ Wilson was one of the last generation of Hill makers, joining the firm in 1960 and working there until 1966 before setting up on his own in Dingwall, Scotland. More details
Richard Grünke Viola Bow, Bubenreuth circa 1965
£6,000
An exceptional gold-mounted viola bow by one of the most esteemed German makers of the 20th century. More details
Wilhelm Knopf Viola Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1870
£6,000
This is a composite bow – the stick is by Wilhelm Knopf, the button also Knopf and of the period, the frog later. It represents a great opportunity to get a superb player’s bow at a bargain price. More details
Albert Nürnberger Viola Bow, Markneukirchen circa 1920
£6,500
This is a very fine Nürnberger family viola bow, probably an early work by Carl Albert Nürnberger. The brand with a * at each end came into use after 1910, yet some archaic aspects of this bow’s construction suggest that it can’t be much later than that. The bow has a silver face and a pinned underslide, and it oozes style. The stick is of beautifully flecked round section pernambuco – mounts are silver and ebony.
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WE Hill & Son Viola Bow, London circa 1950
£8,500
Hill bows have a well deserved reputation for consistency of workmanship and for the quality of the sticks. The finest sticks were branded WE Hill & Sons, and the best of those such as this bow were mounted in gold. More details
Emile Auguste Ouchard Viola Bow, New York circa 1950
£18,000
Emile Auguste Ouchard is one of the most highly valued bow makers of the 20th century. His style is individual and very precise, and the playing qualities of his bows are rarely surpassed. Many professionals use an EA Ouchard. This fine viola bow from his New York period is a very good example, powerful yet responsive and with a huge sound. More details
Nicolas Maline Viola Bow, Paris circa 1850
£18,000 On trial
Nicolas Maline, also known confusingly as Guillaume Maline, is quite a maverick figure from the Golden period of French bow-making. Even his dates are disputed, as is the question of whether or not he worked for Vuillaume. However, his work is unique and distinctive, and of the highest quality. More details
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