NOTE - THIS WRITER IS THE CONSIGNOR OF THE GIBSON H-5 MANDOLA, SIGNED BY LLOYD LOAR (LOT 327) & THE GIBSON H-2 MANDOLA (LOT 328), BOTH OF WHICH ARE BEING AUCTIONED BY SKINNER THIS COMING SUN., NOV. 19 AT NOON.
Good day, everyone. In reviewing this thread, I noted several instances in which the writers were, as danb put it, “looking for a bit of insight on this H5.” All things considered, I thought that such inquiries were not unreasonable. Accordingly, let’s see what I can to alleviate some of your anxiety about the provenance of these instruments.
Joseph Rybka was my paternal grandfather’s brother, making him my Great Uncle Joseph. He was born in Blazown, Poland, on March 4, 1893, emigrated to the United States, arriving in the port of New York on June 25, 1913. He moved to L.A., and at some point moved to Portland, Oregon. In 1922, Joseph began organizing his orchestra, whose correct name is the “Rybka Imperial Plectrum Orchestra.” I have two wanted ads from 1922 issues of The Oregon Daily Journal. One ad indicated: “Mandolin and guitar players, join Prof. Rybka’s orchestra now organizing. No expense to you.” The other said: “HIGH class mandolin orchestra wants more mandolia and guitar players, no expense, instruments furnished.” According to a 1923 issue of Music Trades, “This orchestra, which is the only one of its kind on the Pacific Coast, uses the finest of Gibson instruments,…” Another interesting fact about Joseph’s orchestra is that Rudy Cipolla (who, as I’m sure you know, was a prominent mandolin player) was also a member.
My understanding is that upon Joseph’s passing, all his instruments were distributed among Rybka family members. Ultimately, my Dad ended up with the two mandolas, and I inherited them from him. In other words, I literally grew up with the mandolas. There wasn’t a time in my life that I can remember, when the mandolas were not in my home, and I am 60 years of age.
I will try to provide some additional information over the next day or two. Thank you. Jim Rybka
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