Detail of a violin bow frog
St Bride's

Specialists in English bows, traders in all fine string bows. Appraisal services available on request.

London & Cambridge


St Bride's was established out of a desire to foreground the best of English bow making at an accessible entry point. We take our name from St Bride's Church on London's Fleet Street, the resting place of Edward Dodd (1705-1810), bowmaker and father of the legendary John Dodd (1752-1839). Despite largely producing unbranded (and therefore unattributable) bows, Edward Dodd is credited as doing a great deal to improve the English bow, laying the groundwork for his son, 'the English Tourte'.

Every bow that passes through our hands is assessed for maker, condition and playing quality before being offered for sale. We work, above all else, with players, and we are always happy to talk through a bow, its individual quality and history before you come to a decision.

Spotlighted listings

Please get in touch for more options or for booking a trial session.
Lot 01
No longer available

Violin bow

French school, c.1900
No longer available

A well-balanced round stick with a lively, responsive feel. Octagonal head, ebony frog with a plain Parisian eye. Recently rehaired and in excellent playing order.

  • WoodPernambuco
  • Weight60g
  • MountsSilver
  • ConditionExcellent, no repairs
  • CaseIncluded
Enquire about this bow
Lot 02
No longer available

Viola bow

English workshop, c.1930
No longer available

A substantial, well-cambered stick suited to a darker, broader tone. Round head, tortoiseshell-effect frog. One small stick repair, expertly done and fully sound.

  • WoodPernambuco
  • Weight68g
  • MountsNickel
  • ConditionVery good, one stick repair
  • CaseIncluded
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Lot 03
No longer available

Cello bow

German school, c.1910
No longer available

A strong, direct bow with plenty of power in the lower half. Octagonal stick, ebony frog with a mother-of-pearl slide. Freshly rehaired.

  • WoodPernambuco
  • Weight81g
  • MountsNickel
  • ConditionGood, minor wear to lapping
  • CaseNot included
Enquire about this bow

Get in touch

For any buying, selling, or appraisal enquiries, write to us and we will get back to you.

We can also value bows and can arrange rehairs and repairs for bows being purchased or appraised.