unknown (good) bow, stamp nearly worn away

[Thomas Erickson]

So I've had this great bow for years now, and it's old and very well worn. So much so that the stamp, while partially visible, is illegible. I've tried everything short of a microscope and can't make it out, and nobody else has been able to either. I haven't really put a lot of effort into it, but several luthiers have examined it and just shrugged.

I bought the bow from a major US dealer when I spotted it lurking, forgotten and buried at the back of a bench; I asked for it to be haired on a whim, and it blew away every other bow in the place, including some very pricey examples. Nobody there knew what it was or where it came from, or even cared much, so I kept my mouth shut, negotiated a very fair price and it's the only bow I've cared to use since...

But of course I'm curious what the thing is; anybody have a tip on how to get a better look at the stamp? About the only thing I can think of that I haven't tried is a blacklight and I can't find mine at the moment; think that'd help anyway?

I can post some high res photos if anybody wants to have a gander or hazard a guess...

[Ken Smith]

Post pics of the Head, both sides as well as the frog. Some bow stamps are shops only and not the actual maker. Some are just stamps with nothing to do with the maker. Bow experts like Raffin in Paris or maybe Chris Brown in Mn. could possibly shed some light on it.

Don't make the Pics too big. Life sized at most or slightly bigger for the stamp only. Also, what have you been told so far about it?

[Thomas Erickson]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4978178...57624137957346

Here's a link to the set of images; that way you can pick your size and I won't plug up the forum...

I haven't really been told anything about the bow, but like I say; I haven't pursued it much since I have no intention of selling it. The number engraved on the stick under the frog indicates that it belonged to maybe a conservatory or other organization I guess, and other players have agreed that it's rather good. I've turned down a couple of offers to buy it from me.

I managed to get one good shot of the stamp and now I remember that it looks to start with a squiggly mark and probably the letters H.A. and then perhaps an "S"... not sure.

[Ken Smith]

I thought it was a French bow. I don't know much about German Bow makers personally. Show this to Chris Brown or Sue Lipkins and maybe they can help you. That's all I can advise, sorry.

[Thomas Erickson]

Thanks for looking Ken; maybe someone else will have a thought.

[Thomas Erickson]

Sue Lipkins was kind enough to take a look and offer her opinion - she says it appears to be a commercial German made bow of some sort. Oh well!

I still haven't had any luck on deciphering the stamp, so if anybody has a trick that might help I'd still be interested...