Neapolitan mandolin
Date1920-1935 ca.
ModelNeapolitan
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsStamped on tailpiece: PAT.APPLD.FOR
Scratched in back of head: R. W.
DescriptionSoundboard: two-piece spruce: wide grain; to break score visible on top
Bowl: 15 rosewood staves, the inner 13 narrow and rounded, divided by holly stringing
Clasp: rosewood; festooned lower end
Head: mahogany veneered with brown-dyed maple on front face
Neck: mahogany; integral with head
Binding: ivory celluloid; trim comprised of angled light and black hardwood pieces in form of chevron, with light hardwood strip at center and black hardwood strips on each side
Fingerboard: brown-dyed maple; 17 nickel-silver T-shaped frets; mother-of-pearl dots behind 5th, 7th, and 10th frets
Nut: missing
Bridge: missing
Tuners: recessed worm gear tuner set with brass plates, brass rollers, and black celluloid heads
Tailpiece: nickel-plated steel
Rosette: bound in ivory celluloid; trim comprised of angled light and black hardwood pieces in form of chevron, with light hardwood strip at center and black hardwood strips on each side
Pick guard: imitation tortoise-shell celluloid with festooned lower end; inlaid with ivory celluloid foliate decoration
Lacquer: yellowed with pronounced craquelure
Bowl lining: none
Linings: kerfed brown hardwood
Neck block: brown hardwood
End block: brown hardwood
Top braces: tapered spruce braces above soundhole, below soundhole, and at widest point of body
DimensionsTotal mandolin length: 620 mm (24-13/32″)
Top length: 319 mm (12-9/16″)
Maximum body width: 197 mm (7-3/4″)
Maximum bowl height: 157 mm (6-3/16″)
Head length: 156 mm (6-5/32″)
Head width, top: 63 mm (2-15/32″)
Head width, bottom: 50 mm (1-31/32″)
Neck length (nut to ribs): 146 mm (5-3/4″)
Neck width, nut: 27 mm (1-3/32″)
Neck width, heel: 37 mm (1-15/32″)
Soundhole height: 46 mm (1-13/16″)
Soundhole width: 71 mm (2-25/32″)
Vibrating string length (nut to bridge edge): 335 mm (13-3/16″)
Credit LinePaul and Jean Christian Collection
Object number12519
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