Gorgeous Martin Style Vintage 1800’s J. Howard W. Foote & Co CHALLENGE ROSEWOOD Bowlback Mandolin Challenge Bowlback Tater Bug Mandolin - Brazilian Rosewood

Up for sale is one beautiful & exceptional Vintage Tater Bug Mandolin from the 1800's. J. Howard W. Foote & Co. built this fantastic ROSEWOOD Bowlback Mandolin.

There is a metal plate at the bottom that says CHALLENGE trade Mark. There are no other visible labels with names or brands inside the mandolin.

Rare to find the back with old Brazilian Rosewood according to my Brazilian Luthier who recently provided a tune-up. The top tone wood is believed to be German Spruce.

So that you understand, J. Howard Foote was a pioneer who brought these instruments from Italy and then began building his own through his company in Chicago and New York. This is a historical instrument that is in amazing shape for it's age and sound beautiful with tone-woods no longer on today's market (Brazilian Rosewood).

We just got it back from a high-end Brazilian Luthier who set the bridge, cleaned it, oiled and hydrated the fretboard, sealed the inside to keep the mandolin back slats from coming apart, one was starting to separate and are all locked in.

Beautiful inlay work and big, bright, resonate sound. New strings and ready to go! Does not come with a case. You don‘t find this quality in today’s world. This is an insane deal and we will probably regret selling it :)

Please ask any questions if you're not sure what this is or would like further information as we do not accept returns.