SUPER RARE Favilla Custom U4 Concert Ukulele

I am not really sure what to say about this Favilla Concert sized ukulele other than WOW! It is indeed a SUPER RARE and possibly one of a kind piece. If you have additional information, please share so that I can add to the listing.

Date of Manufacture: Given the style of the tuners and the brand that is on the back of the headstock we are estimating this ukulele to be manufactured in sometime is the 20ies. We've made posts in the Favilla Facebook and Vintage Ukulele Facebook groups to see if more information can be found. We have also heard back from Thomas Favilla who said, " You got a rare one. Very few built. It is a variation of our U4 ukulele. Built mainly in the 1920s..

Stamped: "Made by Favilla Bros. New York, New York, USA) on back of the headstock.

Additional markings: There is an "8" on the back of the neck. An online discussion led to a suggestion that this is a capo track/mark (something that may have been added to guide where a capo should be installed). I must say that although this seems very plausible, there does not seem to be a pattern of neck wear consistent with this theory although its placement does suggest that it is possible.

Construction:

Mahogany top, back, sides and neck

Brazilian Rosewood Bridge with Ivory (apparently) saddle

Tuners: Original nickel friction tuners.

Case: Appears to be original to the instrument, although slightly larger, perhaps for a tenor size. Handle wrapped in black electrical tape, fading to purple felt liner and some chipping to case top. All hardware is complete and case is in overall fine condition.

DECORATIVE DETAILS:

Pearloid Headstock and fretboard

Incised & painted floral detail on headstock, 5th, 7th and 10th frets.

Top and Bottom Binding

Sound hole Rosette

MEASUREMENTS:

• Scale: 15"
• Length: 23"
• Nut: 16 mm (appears to be ivory)
• Upper bout width: 5.75"
• Lower Bout width: 7.5"

Playability: Quite nice with superior resonance, no buzzing, with the action at 12th fret: reading between 2.5-2.75mm.

Finish: Appears original with a nice patina and wear pattern constant with estimated age. Aside from normal scratches and finish alligatoring, there is fairly significant finish wear on the tops upper bout and the neck under the first and second fret where the thumb is placed.

Condition issues: No detectable cracks or signs of previous repaired cracks. Slight back separation from the center brace. When gentle squeezed, you can hear a click where the separation exists. There is some slight curling at the bottom of the fretboard where it extends onto the body. Under the fret board there is evidence of some sort of shimming. I cannot determine if this was a repair and/or modification to improve playability/action or if this is how the instrument was originally constructed. There is a small crack on the G string's tuner but it is stable and doesn't affect tuning or playability.

AS FOUND CONDITION: Given the rarity of this instrument, we have decided to leave it in as found condition and leave it to its future owner to make the decision that's best for them and their collection.