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No amount of research on the internet or in printed publications could indicate whether Wilhelm Raum is a physical person who had a workshop where he made bows, or whether is it a generic name given to the high-end output of a commercial studio. Given the widespread presence internationally of bows stamped Wilhelm Raum over a period of around 30 years, one can assume that Wilhelm Raum bows are high-end trade items, well-made of excellent materials, aimed at professionals and very advanced students.
(However, since publishing the above information, I received this comment from a musician who owns two Raum bows: 'The first bow was brand new when I got it in 1991 and it came packaged in a cloth pouch that also had a small piece of paper inside. It was a printed note claiming to be from Wilhelm Raum. It thanked me for buying one of his bows and said he worked alone and made a few dozen bows per year. Unfortunately, I lost the cloth bag and note during a house move (the bow being in the violin case).' Clearly that is interesting information relating to this maker.)
This bow is stamped 'WILHELM RAUM **' in the usual place and also bears a crest in the frog flank identifying the frog as original. One can assume the two stars is a rating system rating this bow quite highly. Whether or not the adjuster button is original is debateable, but all metal is of good Sterling silver.
This bow convinces as a serious creation of considerable merit and has in fact been in professional use by an important cellist for a number of years. It conforms to what one would expect of a very good bow, not only in workmanship, but in performance. It has been well used, as attested to by considerable wear in the thumb contact area at the frog.
The bow is in good condition, with no discernable cracks or repairs. It has very good playing properties.
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The Stick :
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Pernambuco, round
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The Nut :
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Ebony with a plain eye. Original - crest stamped into the flank
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Lapping :
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Solid silver lapping. Black leather thumbpad.
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Tip Slide :
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Cow bone. Recent by Svend Christensen
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Condition :
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Good condition. No cracks or repairs. The tip slide is recent. There is some wear in the thumb contact area at the grip area. Recently cleaned, serviced and rehaired with Mongolian Stallion hair - all by Svend Christensen.
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Provenance :
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Owned by Johan Grobbelaar
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