Franz Winkler Violin Bow, Markneukirchen, c.1920-30

For sale is a nice example of a Franz Winkler violin bow. This bow is octagonal and silver mounted, with a length of 746mm and weight of 60.3g. The bow bears the typical stamp “>>-F. Winkler ->” on the handle.

Franz Winkler lived from 1878-1962. He learnt bowmaking from his father Franz Heinrich, before setting up on his own c.1896. During his career he travelled to the USA to work in Philadelphia and Chicago, where his bows were well regarded. When returning back to Europe in 1903, he spent a smaller duration in Paris before remaining in Markneukirchen. His work style is regarded as a mix of both French master as well as the Markneukirchen working techniques.

This bow features golden-brown pernambuco and clearly refined work, visible in the octagonal facets connecting into the well-shaped head. I love the ebony used for this frog, which appears to be of the Mauritian origin and famed for it’s gemstone-like shine. The bow has an excellent feel in the hand and with its own warm tone, will be able to accomodate even more aggressive playing.

The bow is in overall very good condition and presentation with no crack repairs and minimal surface wear. The original button will come with this but was damaged, and so there is a modern and stylistic replacement for this Winkler bow.

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