Karl van der Meer started out as a violinist in the Concertgebouw Orchestra, taking up violin making in 1892. He became head of the violin department of a large Amsterdam music store, establishing his own firm in 1899 which became the most important violin shop in Amsterdam. He was especially well known for his fine bows. Those branded K.V.D.MEER AMSTERDAM. Were made by A.Toussant in Mirecourt.
The Cuniot-Hury workshop was founded by Pierre Cuniot in the later 19th century. It flourished under Pierre’s son Eugène who employed several fine makers including E.F.Ouchard and later his son E.A.Ouchard. This fine bow has a Vuillaume-style frog and is in almost new condition, remarkable for a bow that is 120 years old. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Raffin, Paris who describes it as a beautiful example of this great French maker.
J.Paulus served his apprenticeship in the C.A.Schuster workshop from 1930-1934 staying on until WWII. After the war he returned to the Schuster workshop staying until 1955. He set up his own workshop in 1955. His work has always been highly regarded and is in the classic Markneukirchen style.
Originally from Czechoslovakia, R.Dotschkail (1923-1996) trained at the Technical School for Insrtument making in Graslitz in the 1930’s. After WWII he was forced out of Czechoslovakia and set up his workshop in Erlangen in 1951. This beautiful bow has a gold-mounted ivory frog and an elegant gold mounted button with pearl eyes on each facet.
Son of Joseph Lamy, Alfred apprenticed in the Bazin workshop. After his training he worked for Collin-Mezin and later at the Laberte workshop. He established his own workshop in 1919. The workshop closed on his death in 1922. In spite of the relatively small number of bows made under his own name, his work is highly respected and compares favorably to that of other members of the Lamy family.
Eury is considered one of the most important Parisian bow makers of the of the first half of the 19th century. He first studied violin making with his father François in Mirecourt. It appears that he also studied bow making there. Moving to Paris he met François Tourte who became a major influence in his work. In fact, his bows are often compared favorably to those of Tourte. Certified by Millant.
As a member of a large family of violin makers, Louis (Isadore) Cabasse studied with his father Charles and with J.B.Vuillaume in Paris. He was especially noted for his cellos.
The Klotz family of violin makers was founded by Matthias (1653-1743) and continued on through the first part of the 20th Century. Aegidius Klotz (1733-1805) is considered one of the best makers of the family. This viola is of large proportions and has a big full sound of excellent quality.
The Bernardel family is one of the most important and esteemed in French violin making. Beginning with Auguste Sebastien Philippe who joined with Nicolas Lupot in 1815, the Bernardels continued on in Paris for over a century. This is a beautiful and classic example this important family’s work.
After a four year apprenticeship in Bern, Otto Schenk came to the U.S. and worked with Hans Weisshaar in Los Angeles for four years and then in New York with Jacques Français four more years before returning to Bern where he set up his own workshop. Over the years he has won numerous awards at major competitions.
Josef Gabriel did his apprenticeship with Alfons Riedel in Bubenreuth. After passing his master’s exam, he opened his Erlangen workshop in 1987. Since then he has won numerous awards and medals including gold medals at the Violin Society of America and Mittenwald competitions.
Emile Dupree bows were made in the Seifert workshops in Bubenreuth primarily for the American market. This is an especially nice example and is gold mounted
From the workshop of Frank Daguin, Lyon.
The Finkel workshop was founded by Siegfried Finkel in the 1950’s. They continue to make exceptional quality bows to this day.