Instrument Type: XX
Bow Type: Viola
Item #: 564-488
Year: Circa 1880’s
Price: Sold
Maker: James Tubbs
Description: James Tubbs was born in London on March 25, 1835, the eldest of eleven children in a poor family. He learned the trade of bow making from his father, William Tubbs, Jr. and was probably either unemployed or a day labourer when he began working for W. E. Hill & Sons around 1858. The bows of the talented young master quickly won important awards for the highly esteemed company. James Tubbs worked for the Hills but in an atelier of his own, and it can be assumed that he was not their employee; instead, he had a tenuous arrangement in which the Hills provided him work. James Tubbs successes allowed him to move to new addresses in London until he ultimately set up his workshop in Wardour Street No. 94 in the 1870s. James Tubbs celebrated his greatest accomplishments in the 1880s, when he crafted bows for famous musicians such as August Wilhelmj and was appointed the court bow maker for the Duke of Edinburgh.
This particular viola bow is in very good condition and is mounted in silver and ebony onto a round stick of dark, red-brown pernambuco wood. It is well balanced and produces a bright, even tone across the strings. Weight: 67.8 grams.
Terms: This fine bow has been hand selected for addition to our catalog and is available for examination and trial. If you wish to inquire further about this bow, please contact us using the green button at the top of this listing or call 1-818-762-1374 during business hours.