Vintage John Brandt Style C Bowlback Mandolin c1900

Here is an exceptional antique, top quality, bowlback, luteback, mandolin made in Chicago circa 1898-1905 by "The Brandt", a well-respected early period mandolin builder. Brandt mandolins were sold through the Wurlitzer retail outlets. The craftsmanship that went into this mandolin shows at every detail. Note that this mandolin has a beautifully stylized violin scroll headstock. This unique headstock shape was patented by Brandt. The body is made of 23 ribs of Brazilian Rosewood. The top is spruce and the neck is of maple. There is a scratch plate of faux tortoise shell. There are some pick marks and other minor dings on the top. The top is bound with ivoroid, abalone, and 3 striped purfiling which is complete and all intact. Abalone and multi stripe purfiling bind the sound hole. The fingerboard is ebony and the bar frets are in excellent condition. The action is medium (1/8 inch at 12 fret) and the neck is straight. The tuners work smoothly and have a nickel plated brass cover to protect the gears. The ivory tuning buttons are complete and solid. The tailpiece is a original. The bridge is a replacement.

* Brazilian Rosewood back ribs.

* Maple violin-style peg head and neck.

* Bone nut and ivory tuning buttons.

* American Spruce (type varies, source is almost certainly Michigan) top.

* Neck: Maple

* Fretboard: Brazilian Ebony

The strings are ultra light GHS bronze strings 009-032. Comes with a newer chipboard case.