Don't miss this rare opportunity to try this one-of-a-kind and historically significant bass bow likely attributed to the legendary Arthur Richard Bultitude (1908–1990), one of England’s most respected bow makers. Believed to have been crafted around the 1970s, this bow represents Bultitude’s early foray into bass bow making—a discipline not traditionally practiced at W.E. Hill & Sons, where he spent much of his famed career.
 
Bultitude began his apprenticeship at Hill in 1922 at just 14 years old, studying under the legendary William Retford. He quickly absorbed Retford’s deep knowledge of bow restoration and construction, eventually becoming Hill’s senior bow maker. His work is celebrated for its elegance, precision, and tonal clarity, and he was later honored with an MBE and named Master of the Art Workers' Guild.
 
This bow features French-sourced pernambuco from Jerome Thibouville-Lamy and includes Bultitude’s distinctive Tudor rose inlay, stamped by Mappin & Webb. Though the bow is unnamed, the craftsmanship and materials strongly suggest Bultitude’s hand, with a silver-faced head in excellent condition and a lightweight build likely tailored to a player’s request.
 
According to bow expert Andrew Bellis, this may have been one of Bultitude’s earliest bass bows—possibly made in collaboration with a player and sent out for trial. The Roman numeral “II” on the stick could indicate it was the second bass bow he ever made. 
 
This bow is ideal for discerning professionals who want a master-crafted companion to last them for the years. Come in and try this piece of British bow-making history—elegant, responsive, and full of character.
 
Weight: 134.4g
Length: 66cm 
#7745