G La Foley Flatback Mandolin 1920s Natural

Vintage & Rare 1920s London Hand Made G. (GEORGE) LA FOLEY Cased Mandolin

A very rare British made mandolin constructed from Mahogany Rosewood and spruce, a label signed by the maker with original case, George La Foley was a famous British luthier manufacturer in London in the 1920s, but ceased trading in the early 1930s. His instruments are sought after by players and I can see why from this example - a fine mandolin hand made in the early 20th century by a well known maker. Includes the original lightweight travel case.

The instrument has been well looked after, has no cracks or breaks, repairs or distortion. The top is fine grained spruce with full bindings interspersed with rosewood around the top and sound hole. Internally the mandolin is fully lined, finely braced and there is a stamp on the neck block 'LA FOLEY MAKER LONDON'  The sound is full and loud and the intonation is very good.

The floating rosewood bridge is stamped “JOHN GREY & SONS” There is an ebony 'string break angle' ebony bar which is attached to the top a by two adjustable screws short distance from the bridge.

The neck / body joint is solid and sound. The neck is perfectly straight and true. Frets have plenty of life left. Playing action is low and quick and sounds strong and really good. The Tuning machines all work well and hold tune well. The mandolin has been recently re-strung with nickel 10-32 strings

The original case is included. The two metal catches have some light surface rust but both operate. A new handle has been fabricated at some time 

George La Foley was a respected maker of mandolins in London and this mandolin has an internal Makers paper label signed in red ink by Geo. La Foley with a number 9068. Also states 'Product of British hand labour'

DIMENSIONS

Total length : 60cm

Width : 22cm

Depth : 8.2cm

Nut width : 30mm

Heel width : 39mm

Scale length : 13.15" / 334mm

Fret number : 29

Weight : 0.9 KG

PAYMENT & SHIPPING

Payment via Reverb. Collection with Cash welcomed (restrictions permitting).

Postage tracked & insured (Very carefully packaged for transit)

Note: due to the materials used in the construction and the new CITES regulations. It will not be possible to post this outside of UK & Europe