W.E Hill & Sons Violin Bow London England c.1900

W. E. Hill & Sons (1887–1992) was a London-based firm that specialised in violins and other string instruments, and bows. It was also known as William Hill & Sons or William E. Hill & Sons. Founded by William Ebsworth Hill at 38 New Bond Street, London in 1887, the name W. E. Hill & Sons built on a long family history of violin making going back to William Ebsworth's great grandfather, Joseph Hill. The firm soon gained a widespread reputation for excellence in repairs, making of instruments, bows, cases and fittings as well as instrument identification and authentication. Many fine craftsmen worked for the firm, and they were particularly famous for their bow makers, their work renowned for its character and consistency.

This violin bow is stamped "W. E. HILL & SONS" and weighs 62.00 grams. Under the frog, it has a match mark of "K", and bears the maker's mark of a single nick belonging to Sydney Yeoman who worked at Hill's between 1890 and 1945. It has an octagonal stick of pernambuco, measuring 74.6cm from frog to tip, and weighs 62.34 grams and has silver lapping and leather grip. The frog is of ebony with a Parisian eye, and is fully silver mounted with a solid silver button. It is in good condition.

This bow has a strong stick which projects a focussed and sweet sound. It is very evenly weighted which gives players a very tactile playing experience, where they are able to make use of each of their fingers to produce a vastly different sound. In long legato passages it is very easy to achieve a full and round sound, yet it still achieves the soft and light sounds on shorter bow strokes. This bow would be well suited to players engaging in orchestral playing at a tertiary level or higher.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful English bow.