Hawkes & Son.. (The Official KSB Hawkes Bass Discussion Thread)

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Came across this, Ken. Are you familiar with Bailey and any connection to R&H? English made?

http://www.sothebys.com/en/search.ht...=double%20bass

Never heard his name before. Perhaps he was hired to finish up or set-up the basses if supplied incomplete or un-finished in the white that was supplied by on of the French Firms. Also, British firms have been known to label or brand instruments that they only sell in their shop made by others, new and old.

I have seen pictured a few R & H basses and two in person that were claimed to be. One was false as the date was off by over 20 years and German/Bohemian made and the other was 100% a French bass that first was thought to be a Claudot or Jacquet. Only after the bass was opened for restoration was the label found hidden inside from R&H. The R&H firm/name was closed in 1889 and then the name of Hawkes & Son replaced it. I think they have to date 1880-1889 to be genuine regardless of the label used or the dealers opinion.