A Rare Stanhope Lens Violin Bow By August Edwin Prager, S/E.

Edwin August Prager (1875-1956) apprenticed with his father Friedrich Wilhelm Prager from 1889-1893 in Schonlind, Germany, after which he worked in the Bausch workshop in Leipzig until 1895. His father F.W. Prager (1832-1908) also worked for Ludwig Bausch from 1859-1862 and learned from C.F.W. Knopf. Prager bows are becoming increasingly sought after for their consistency in performance and craftsmanship, with silver mounted examples ranging from $4,000-$5000 in retail price. Other materials typically add 50% of value, be it gold mountings, ivory or tortoise shell, or a Stanhope lens.

This fine example of A.E. Prager’s work features well selected pernambuco and a Stanhope lens revealing the maker in his workshop. It presents in well preserved condition, less a single crack to the player side of the ebony frog. Strong, yet still supple, this bow is sure to please the discerning performer and avid collector alike.