Raffaele Maratea Concert Mandolin 1900's

Raffaele Maratea is the son of Domenico and Michele Maratea, Italian makers of stringed instruments and particularly of mandolins in Naples during the end of the 19th century.

A student of the Vinaccias, he was awarded a diploma of honor at the Universal Exhibition in Turin in 1898.

Then installed in his workshop at 40 rue Portapiccola Montecalvario, it was around 1900 that he made this very pretty mandolin.

Among other things, he made mandolins to export them to France under the Mircutian brand: La Divina.

Here, this is the case for this mandolin since a peeled "La Divina" label was found inside the mandolin.

This model is perfectly comparable and almost similar to the model with hollow dimensions also presented for sale.

We fully recognize the Vinaccia inspiration in this mandolin made with great skill.

Technical characteristics :

• Top: Spruce
  
• Back: 27 rosewood ribs
  
• Neck: Ebony Veneer
  
• Fingerboard: Ebony (concert fingerboard)
  
• Nut Width: 26.5mm
  
• Radius: Flat
  
• Frets: 25 frets
  
• Scale length: 330 mm
  
• Profile: Neapolitan
  
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell inlaid with arabesque patterns in white mother-of-pearl
  
• Country of Manufacture: Italy, Naples
  
• Year: 1900's
  
• Finish: Natural
  
• Decorations: White mother-of-pearl pistagne on the edge of the table / Inlays of interlaced wave patterns in white mother-of-pearl on the edge of the table / Inlays of "F" pattern in white mother-of-pearl on the rosette / Mandorla-shaped fingerboard markers in white mother-of-pearl / White mother-of-pearl mechanical eyelets / Maple and ebony purfling on the edge of the table and rosette
  
• Details: Normal signs of wear considering its age
  

Powerful and balanced, with a typical Neapolitan timbre and a pleasant action, this mandolin will be perfect for a concert mandolinist.

Wonderful vintage Italian / Neapolitan mandolin !

Delivered in its original case.