German bow makers in America: Across the Atlantic

Tracing the arc of American bow making is a tricky business. There have been nearly as many influences in its history as bow makers, and their traditions range from the self-taught to the rich heritage of French master makers. The earliest wave of bow making in America was a group of unaffiliated German immigrants, beginning in the mid-1870s. What drew these makers to the New World? Influential violin shops run by German master craftsmen took root across America as German immigration swelled, reaching nearly three million German-born immigrants by 1890. In the late 19th century, American government raised its funds mainly from tariffs on all manner of imports, including musical instruments. A central political issue of the day, tariffs averaged a whopping 45 per cent by 1911. Some makers saw the potential in moving to America and establishing a local foothold protected by the tariffs. Dealers in America sought ways to avoid tariffs by importing the actual German bow makers themselves; while others were already in the US when they saw an opportunity to dabble in, if not focus on, bow making. Each of these makers has a unique story to tell, highlighting the complex business relationship between the musical worlds of America and Germany before World War I…