Frank Kovanda - (b. Sep.14,1904 - d. Apr. 21,1993) an internationally known American maker of bows (Archetier).
Born in Chicago, he learned violin making from and worked for John Hornsteiner of Chicago, violin maker.
He was for many years associated with William Lewis and Son in Chicago, where he gained recognition for outstanding ability as a maker of fine bows and their fittings. While in the emloy of Lewis and Sons, he also repaired and restored the finest bows that came through the shop. He was hailed as a superb copyist by many including William Lewis and Joseph Roda.
He has produced a number of superb copies of the bows of Francois Tourte, Dominique Peccatte, Nicolaus Kittel and other famous makers as well as many reproductions of frogs.[1]
"One of the great American makers of the mid-20 century. Having worked in Chicago from 1921-1945, he moved to Los Angeles after WWII and established own shop there. Made several hundred bows. Was greatly influenced by the work of F.X. TOURTE. Branded "F.KOVANDA". Some bows were left unstamped (as they were reproductions). Frank died on April 21, 1993."[2] - Gennady Filimonov