The Maker:

This bow is made by H.R. Pfretzschner for Eugen Gärtner’s shop in Stuttgart.

Eugen Gärtner (b. 1864, d. 1944) established his own workshop in Stuttgart in 1891 after studying under A. Sprenger in Stuttgart and R. E. Simoutre in Paris. He was appointed luthier for the King of Württemberg, and later became a Hoflieferant (court supplier) to the Fürstl: Hohenzoll. He made over 500 violins, violas, and cellos and received various Exhibition medals.

H. R. Pfretzschner (b. 1857, d. 1914) was one of the most influential German bow makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a family of bow makers, he first trained under his father, Carl Richard Pfretzschner, before traveling to Paris in 1874 to work briefly for J.B. Vuillaume, where he trained under F.N. Voirin and collaboration with Charles Husson, had an impact on his style of making and strong connection to the French bow making tradition. Upon returning to Germany, Pfretzschner founded his own workshop in Markneukirchen around 1880. His early production closely followed French models, particularly those of Voirin. As his career progressed, he expanded his models to include both French and English influences while maintaining a personal style.

Sound & Feel:

This bow is well balanced, nimble, and has excellent playability, allows player to execute different strokes and create varieties of sound with ease.

Materials:

Stick: Pernambuco, Round

Frog: Ebony, Silver mounted

Specs:

Weight: 60.5 g

Length: 74.1 cm