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As instrument builders, the Penzel family reaches back into the mid-19th century. Although some members of this family worked successfully as violinmakers, it is in the domain of bowmaking that they have left a mark, particularly through the work of E. M. Penzel. Today the name Penzel is firmly established in the German bowmaking traditions as having been leading producers of fine bows.
Three names come to the fore when dealing with Penzel, being E. M. Penzel, Kurt Gerhard Penzel and Richard Penzel. E. M. was the most important and also the most prolific, but it would appear that Richard Penzel eclipsed the output and quality of the younger Kurt Gerhard. His bows are standard fare in catalogues the world over and are appreciated by all who use them.
What strikes on immediately of this bow is the quality of wood in the octagonal stick - this is really good pernambuco resulting in a very firm stick. The bow appears to have been made around the 1950s or 60s, is well-used and has the original frog and adjuster button. It is in excellent condition.
This is a good cello bow by all standards with the playing properties one would expect of a good Richard Penzel.
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The Stick :
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Octagonal, of excellent pernambuco.
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The Nut :
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Ebony with a simple eye.
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Lapping :
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Black whalebone articulated with tinsel silver - original. Black thumbpad of ostrich shin leather - recent.
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Provenance :
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Owned by Johan Grobbelaar
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