Looks like a Chicago-built instrument from turn of the 19-20 century. I am not an expert on US-made bowlbacks, so hopefully someone more competent will chime in.
Wonderful to hear even a region of the US! Or in fact, that it's US made at all. Thanks you! I was assuming perhaps even Italy, but in some ways, Chicago makes sense here.
I assume all here know that if you click the small images they will enlarge.
It has some similarities with this Regal mandola- made in Indianapolis. Regal was later owned by Lyon & Healy of Chicago but it may well have been made by the original company. As mentioned if not from the original Regal it would be a Chicago build.
https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...k-mandola.html
Jim
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19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Thanks all!
I've seen that at the Home Depot aisle: "Other Dark Wood". Mystery material.
If Pablo H were still with us he would inform us that the species is tenebris silvam.
I've heard that some early Schmergls (pre-Devastator models) used Dark Wood as both frets and neckblock inlay.
I had an old '90s Washburn which had alternating maple and mahogany staves.
I've also seen what appears to be walnut used in alternate stave bowls.
This appears to be in pretty good shape.
It may be a "lower end budget model"...L+H made likely thousands of these, but the level of quality materials and craft is remarkable.
They were designed to be played in your front parlor or your front porch or with a gang of other mandolin geeks.
You bought the sheet music for the latest 'hits' and played them yourself.
An incredible era of American and world music.
Still there for the taking.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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