William Tubbs Cello Bow, London circa 1850

This is a very rare gold/tortoiseshell mounted cello bow by William Tubbs. It’s a unique example in excellent condition.

It wouldn’t be hard to argue that this is one of the finest 19th century English bows in existence. The materials are splendid, the model is refined, and the workmanship is first rate. The W Tubbs brand is in itself rarely seen. All these elements in combination add up to something very special.

William Tubbs is rather less well known than either his father Thomas or his son James. However, he was the most significant bowmaker in England in the middle of the 19th century – his workshop produced bows of very varying quality, from hurriedly cobbled-together workhorse bows all the way up to sublime examples such as this. At the time this bow was made, James Tubbs was active in his father’s workshop – his hand can be seen clearly in this bow.

The stick is of round section dark brown pernambuco, mounts are gold and tortoiseshell. All of the mother of pearl is the original “goldfish” pearl which we always see in the best Tubbs bows. The faceplate is also gold.