Samuel Allen
Mevagissey, 1838–1914
Important and influential English bow maker. An operatic singer and cabinet maker, he is thought to have taught himself the rudiments of bow making before being recruited by the Hills for the workshop in Hanwell, west London, in the 1880s. Early work is strongly influenced by James Dodd (II). — John Dilworth
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
15 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cello Bow | Silver mounted, octagonal stick stamped S. Allen on the handle, ebony frog with Paris eye, silver button Lot 103 | — | March 2026 | £4,560est. Estimate £ 2,500-3,500 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | June 2010 | £3,360 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 73 g. | — | December 2009 | £4,200 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 64 g. | — | March 2009 | £828 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58.5 g. London, 1900 c. | — | March 2009 | £2,500 |
| Cello Bow | 86 g. Attributed to | — | July 2004 | £1,434 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 81 g. | — | November 2002 | £4,780 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | — | November 2000 | £3,220 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 93 g. | — | March 1988 | £1,650 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 69 g. | — | June 1985 | £1,535 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | November 1982 | £550 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | September 1982 | £1,430 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 71 g. | — | April 1982 | £1,430 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 92 g. | — | April 1982 | £1,188 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 71 g. | — | November 1981 | £1,375 |
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Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
ALLEN, Samuel Born 1838 Mevagissey, Cornwall, died 1914 London UK. Important and influential English bow maker. An operatic singer and cabinet maker, he is thought to have taught himself the rudiments of bow making before being recruited by the Hills for the workshop in Hanwell, west London, in the 1880s. Early work is strongly influenced by James Dodd (II). Possibly the only bow maker at Hills to make all the bow parts himself; subsequently the various processes were separated out within the workshops. His pupil there was Sydney Yeoman. Left in 1891 and established his own business in St John’s Wood, London, moving to Bolsover Street in 1897. At this shop he also made some violins and a double bass.
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