David J. Earl German Model Double Bass Bow anno 1980

David John Earl trained and worked at W. E. Hill & Sons, the world-renowned violin makers, dealers and experts of 140 New Bond Street, London and later Great Missenden. Indeed, this long octagonal bow has been hand-crafted in what is termed “The Hill Tradition”, which was a tradition influenced by the work of the most important bow maker in history, namely François Xavier Tourte. Earl worked at Hills from 1969 - 1978 and while there he stamped his work with the number “18” on the silver face of each bow. In 1979 it is recorded that he left Hill & Sons to work on his own but in 1982, personal and business worries caused him to take his own life at the age of only 28. The consequences of this tragic and premature death, means that the work of this extremely talented maker is exceedingly rare and seldom appears on the market.

Apart from a tiny chip on one chamfer of the head, this superb ivory and silver mounted bow is in virtually mint condition. It is dated underneath the frog Q.19.3.80.

Stats:

Length of Stick - 731mm
Weight - 154gms

Reference number #2823