Kurt Albert Gutter Vintage German Bowlback Mandolin 1940s natural

The maker of this mandolin, Kurt Albert Gutter, was born in Markneukirchen, Germany.  He worked for the Glaesel family in Berlin and then the H.T. Heberlein family in Markneukirchen producing violins and mandolins until he opened his own shop there in 1921. 

The mandolin being offered here exhibits a lot of fine workmanship and is in great shape overall.  Please note that there are two cracks on the soundboard.  Both have been "naturally stopped" by the hard dark wood (rosewood?) that functions as a pickguard (see photos).  The cracks are stable but hopefully this instrument will go to someone who knows how to actualize a repair because the soundboard is particularly beautiful with a very nice tight and straight grain.

The 28 rib back on the instrument is exquisite and exhibits almost no scratches whatsoever.  Inside the body, the sides and back are sealed with parchment paper in a manner that is similar to the way that some renaissance and baroque lutes are constructed.

The instrument comes with it's original case which is a real bonus.  The handle is made from leather and it is a little delicate from old age but other than that the case is in great condition.