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The origional hand written label states simply -
"Panormo Model Double Bass Manufactured by Hawkes & Son London
1910". The words HAWKES & SON LONDON engraved at the bottom
of each of the two brass half plates on the pegbox and the large
(height: 3.0cm x width 2.1cm) capital purfilled letter "H" below
the back button confirm 100% that this is a top of the range Panormo
Model instrument.
Yes we can. The instruments manufactured by Hawkes
& Son during the latter quarter of the nineteenth century and
the first half of the twentieth century were often supplied to the
many army and military bands that existed especially in England.
There were three grades of instruments, namely Professor, Concert
and Panormo, that were based on the unsurpassable form of Vincenzo
Panormo`s instruments.
All the models are characterized by their violin
outline, deep ribs and generous proportions. The Professor was a
flat back model with upper angle break, and often had outside linings,
while the Concert and Panormo were produced with full swell backs.
In addition there were some instruments that were manufactured in
France - Riviere & Hawkes - based on an entirely
different model.
Some instruments were made here in England but so
as to meet the huge demand for these robust and well-constructed
instruments a great majority were imported from Germany and France
- the Concert and Panormo models being superior in their choice
of timber, workmanship and finish than those of the Professor. In
1924 the four string Professor instruments were being advertised
at £22, the four string Concert at £26 and the four
string Panormo model was £36. For the three string versions
of these same models prices were £20, £24 and £32
respectively. The advert aptly proving that in England there was
still some demand for the three stringed instrument even at this
late date.
Yes it is. The Panormo instruments were made (Reputedly
by a man with a surname called Green - Hawkes & Son did
a great job in keeping the names of their makers a closely guarded
secret.) entirely in England to an incredibly high standard. Just
take a look at this instrument - the choice of timber is absolutely
superb, the proportions are simply glorious, the scroll is masterful,
the peg box is generous, the brass machines are to the highest standard
of engineering (they are so, so smooth) imaginable and as for the
varnish is of quite an unsurpassable quality.
As a precaution measure The Contrabass Shoppe removed
the table from this instrument to make sure that both block areas
and all the cracks and edging are as secure and as structurally
sound as possible. While the table was off we found a pencil inscription
on the bass bar from the maker and restorer Mike Hart and on the
bass side upper back we found a very faint pencil inscription -
presumably from another restorer - "G. Blackburn Jan 1977".
The Contrabass Shoppe has known this instrument for
many years. It used to belong to a long serving member of The London
Philharmonic Orchestra for several decades of it is life - then
some thirteen years ago we sold it on to a player in the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra. The RPO bass section is renowned the world over for it is
formidable sounding bass section - that's got to be a good
enough recommendation in any bodies books as to the quality and
quantity of sound that this instrument produces. In addition to
serving it is former owners proud throughout their professional careers
this instrument has proved to be quite an incredible investment.
With Panormo model instruments being as desirable as they are -
the investment opportunity is sure to continue.
The sound is simply massive.
Stats
Width at the upper bout 22.15in (56.2cm)
Width at the centre bout 16.0in (40.7cm)
Width at the lower bout 27.0in (68.6cm)
LOB 44.25in (112.5cm)
St length 42.0in (107.0cm)
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Instrument
Identification
