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It can be said rightfully of Hermann Richard Pfretzschner (1857 - 1921) that he was the cornerstone on which much of the German fine bowmaking tradition was built. Yet, he learnt his craft less in Germany, than in France. He went to Paris to study with J. B. Vuillaume. As it turned out he was Vuillaume's last pupil. (The saying goes that if you want a good French bow, buy an H. R. Pfretzschner!) He afterwards established himself in Markneukirchen, in 1880. In 1901 he was appointed by the King of Saxony as bowmaker to the Royal Court of Dresden.
The French authority René Vannes singles out H. R. Pfretzschner as follows: 'Pfretzschner is considered as one of the foremost German bowmakers whose work has universal reknown.' Henley writes of his work: 'He attained a world-wide reputation, possibly second to none. Beautifully balanced affairs, strong yet full of elasticity, backed up by the neatest workmanship. (...) All harmony in perfection and nothing wanting to complete the fascination of the whole.'
This bow, of dark brown pernambuco cut into an octagonal stick, shows all the characteristics of about 100 years of use - wear at the grip - a sign of preference and appreciation by generations of violinists. The bow has excellent playing properties.
Several bowmakers are known to have made hybrid violin/viola bows, but they are not common. At first it was thought that this is a viola bow, yet the weight and measurements were unusual for a pure viola bow. Compared to a standard violin bow, it was too heavy. A closer examination showed that all measurements and the weight of this bow was exactly between those of a violin bow and viola bow.
Such bows were made for musicians who played both viola and violin and who switched between the two instruments, but who wanted to use the same bow. One can assume that such bows were usually made on special commission and not as a matter of course.
This is an old, well-used and well-worn bow. The identifiers are very worn and reading the information is difficult. But it reads indisputably H. R. Pfretzschner. The frog has a crest stamped into the left flank, but this is very worn.
This can be considered as a heavy violin bow or a light viola bow. The playing characteristics on both violin and viola are very good.
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The Stick :
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Octagonal, of dark pernambuco.
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The Nut :
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Ebony, Simple eye. Original to the bow. Matching adjuster button, probably the original.
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Wrapping :
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Silver wrapping. Black leather thumbpad.
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Condition :
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Excellent condition.
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