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Hawaiian Style Model Soprano Ukulele, most likely made by Harmony, c. 1915 in Chicago, natural varnish finish, FLAMED koa wood body, mahogany neck with koa veneer on headstock., black tolex hard shell case.

This is a very nice example of an early mainland-built "Hawaiian" style ukulele, a very popular item about 100 years ago. This one was most likely made Harmony, a company Sears had purchased soon after for the express purpose of getting inexpensive ukes (and guitars) to market.

The body appears to be made of genuine Hawaiian Koa wood, while the neck is mahogany with a koa headstock veneer. The top and neck is bound with alternating wood trim- style 4 in the Hawaiian manner, with the same decoration on the sound hole ring. The back is slightly arched, another feature typical of actual Hawaiian instruments. The pegs are early spring-loaded Grover friction units with black buttons, quite fancy for an instrument of this type.

This style of ukulele was made in Chicago in large numbers by Harmony, Regal, Slingerland, and others in the 'teens and early 'twenties and sold through mail order catalogs, music stores, and retail outlets around the country during the first part of the "Uke Craze" of the '20s. This is a higher-grade example than most, well made with a sound rivaling many actual Hawaiian instruments.

Overall length is 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm.), 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 1/4 in. (336 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/2 in. (38 mm.).

This uke shows minor wear and some serious but very well-executed repairs; it appears to have been crushed it some point and restored. There is a pronounced top crack and the bridge has been reglued. There is also two large cracks on the back. All of these have been repaired long ago quite expertly. The instrument is holding together great. This was a major restoration, but seems to have been successful because it remains in excellent playing condition. The bridge is original but re-glued some time ago.

The original workmanship is neater than some of these "Chicago Hawaiians" (they made a LOT of these about a century back) and the materials are all top shelf. This uke actually plays very well and sounds excellent, which is often not the case with these. Even considering the repairs this is a nice playable piece of history, and a surprisingly good ukulele considering its origins. A fancy modern hard case is included.