German bows
German bows offered with certificates are accompanied by documentation from H.K. Schmidt, Dresden, unless the individual description states otherwise.
Our standard of presentation
Certificates,
Expertise & Authenticity
Every violin, viola, cello and bow is approached first as a historical object. Attribution is never based on a label, stamp or brand alone.
A considered attribution
The object comes first.
We consider materials, construction, working methods, stylistic characteristics, condition and provenance, together with comparisons to authenticated examples. Marks and inscriptions form part of that evidence, but do not determine an attribution by themselves.
Where an external specialist has issued a certificate or written opinion, the expert and the document are identified clearly. Our description does not imply a stronger or more precise attribution than the wording of that document supports.
Certificates & expert opinions
Documentation,
named precisely.
French bows
French bows offered with certificates are accompanied by documentation from Cabinet Raffin, unless another issuing expert is named in the individual description.
Other instruments and bows
For Italian, French, English and other schools, the issuing expert or institution is specified for each object. No certificate is treated as anonymous authority.
Our presentation standard
What we aim to state clearly.
Information is presented according to what is known, documented and responsibly supportable at the time of offering.
- 01Maker, workshop, school or attribution
- 02Place and approximate date
- 03Materials and mounting
- 04Weight and relevant measurements
- 05Certificates and written opinions
- 06Known provenance
- 07Condition and significant restoration
- 08Detailed photographs
Language matters. “By,” “workshop of,” “school of,” “attributed to” and “bearing the brand of” are not interchangeable terms. Each expresses a different level or type of attribution.
Certificate & condition
A certificate is one part
of responsible due diligence.
A certificate generally addresses authorship or attribution within the scope stated by its issuer. It does not necessarily constitute a condition report, a valuation or a guarantee that the object has remained unchanged since the date of issue.
Condition, restoration history and playing characteristics are considered separately. When an issue is material to a purchase decision, we encourage direct discussion and, where appropriate, examination by a qualified restorer or specialist.
Independent examination
Questions are welcome.
Second opinions are respected.
Additional photographs and available documentation can be supplied on request. Prospective buyers may also arrange examination by a specialist of their choice, subject to mutually agreed practical and security arrangements.
Request documentation