Heirloom Saxon violin and bow

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

An heirloom Saxon violin (a) and bow (b), with black case (2020.28.2). The violin is constructed of light brown wood, maple on the back and pine or spruce on the front. It features a black chinrest, fingerboard and tailpiece with fine tuners. On the crotch of the bridge is a maker's mark reading ‘Wurlitzer Wilhelmy.’ On the reverse of the violin near the neck is carved the letters HEM. The violin has had numerous repairs and modifications over the years. The bow (b) is similar in hue to the violin with an embellished frog with mother of pearl inlay.

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