John Dodd c. 1825

John Dodd, often referred to as "The English Tourte," was one of the defining figures in early 19th century English bow making. After earlier work in Lambeth, Dodd worked in the Kew area of London, where he supplied bows to the Betts, Forster, and Banks shops, and also made his own bows stamped "DODD." He was one of the first makers to employ a bow stamp.

This viola bow is made of very fine Pernambuco, and is stamped "DODD" on the thumb side of the heel. it dates from the first quarter of the 19th century, with a frog and adjuster which were replaced later.