This 1910s Sicilian Concert Mandolin belongs to an Italian instrument-making tradition whose richness extends far beyond the borders of Naples.

While the term “Neapolitan mandolin” remains familiar, it does not necessarily refer to an instrument made in that city: Sicily, and Catania in particular, was also a major centre of mandolin production, with some instruments destined for the American market as early as the late 19th century.

At the turn of the 20th century, Catania was home to a thriving stringed-instrument industry, bringing together numerous workshops and manufacturers.

Puglisi and Silvestri are among the names associated with this history, which reflects the importance of Sicily’s contribution to Italian lutherie.

This activity also benefited from the exposure offered by national and international exhibitions, where the Catania-based manufacturer Porto received several awards between 1889 and 1907.

Although closely related to the Neapolitan tradition, Sicilian craftsmanship nevertheless displays a remarkable diversity of shapes and ornamentation.

In the description of this particular instrument, its construction, neck-to-body joint and decorative features are specifically highlighted as clues to understanding its Sicilian identity.

Dating from the 1910s, this mandolin offers an opportunity to discover the rich instrumental heritage of southern Italy!

Technical specifications:

• Top: Spruce
• Bowl back: Rosewood, 23 ribs
• Neck: Beech with rosewood veneer
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 27.5 mm
• Fingerboard radius: Flat
• Frets: 24 frets
• Scale length: 330 mm
• Neck profile: Neapolitan (C)
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell with white mother-of-pearl inlay
• Country of manufacture: Italy, Sicily
• Year: 1910s
• Finish: Natural
• Ornamentation: White mother-of-pearl dot fingerboard markers / Purfling around the top and soundhole / Decorative wooden edging around the top / Rosette inlaid with delicate white mother-of-pearl motifs
• Details: Refretted with modern fretwire, including a zero fret / Non-original nut and bridge / Minor signs of wear and use consistent with its age / Very good condition / Supplied with a gig bag

Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been set up with great care.

It offers excellent playing comfort, particularly thanks to its Fisoma Supersolo flatwound strings, which enhance both its playability and its tone.

This mandolin

produces a luminous, crystalline tone with a delicate, pearl-like articulation, supported by precise attacks and a clear, elegant resonance—ideal for shaping expressive, nuanced concert performances.
Its fluid, silky, singing tremolos blend with brilliant trebles and warm accents, creating a refined, vibrant and enveloping tonal palette that brings out the beauty of every musical phrase.