This is a Lyon & Healy #113, Style C that I've owned for 20 years or more. This is the long scale model (13 3/4" about the same as Gibson). They also made many in 13" 'violin' scale. I don't play it often these days, but I do appreciate it for its gorgeous varnish or perhaps shellac finish, and terrific craftsmanship. The C may have been third in the L&H line, but they compare favorably to Gibson's top of its line A-4 of the period.
This one had three interesting modifications over the course of it's 93 years. The composite finger rest has been replaced with a fine replica made of ebony. It appears to me that the fingerboard extension has been removed after fret 20 (perhaps it belonged to Sam Bush at some point?). And most interesting, the tailpiece cover is engraved and dated. I wonder if anyone at the Cafe can supply any information about Ennis W. Clarke, or perhaps, Clarlie?
In any event, it helps those trying to accurately date these L&H mandolins. I suspect this one was sold very near May 22, 1919. Are their any others out there similarly engraved? Maybe it was a factory option, for all I know.
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