W.E. Hill and Sons “Hill” viola bow

W.E. Hill and Sons, expert appraisers and noted violin makers, are now primarily known for their bows, produced under the eagle eye of master bowmaker William Retford. This viola bow, with its “Hill” stamp, is technically rated as their fourth, or lowest grade bow, but in our experience, those “Hill” bows made before WWII often have very fine playing characteristics. This example, stamped “3”on the silver tip face, was made by Albert Lesson, one of their better makers, and the “2” and “8”, on either side of the “match” letter “C” on the underside of the stick probably record the year, “1928”, in which the bow was made. The round, pernambuco stick is made from very well-selected wood, the legato strokes showing no signs of the “shake” sometimes found in their middle grade bows, and with excellent resilience, articulation and bounce.