Mayflower Bowl Back Mandolin, by Flower & Groehsl or Larson Brothers, Circa 1918, with hardshell case

We've never seen a 100+ year old mandolin in this good of shape. There are a few pick scratches around the sound hole and part of the treble side of the ebony bridge has broken off but everything else is amazing! An used hardshell case is included. Below is some information about the FLower & Groehsl mandolins. Some suggest that the Larson Brothers were possible builders.

Flower & Groehsl Mayflower mandolins were made by Chicago-based Harry J. Flower, who imported Italian-made instruments and later had them built in the U.S., with Andrew Groehsl being a key luthier involved, possibly for Flower's own factory or by the Larson Brothers, before Groehsl moved on to Stromberg-Voisinet, highlighting a complex history of American mandolin production with international links. Key Figures & Builders:

• Harry J. Flower (Distributor): An American importer and retailer in Chicago, Flower used the "Mayflower" brand for mandolins, initially associated with Italian makers like Antone Valletti around 1901, notesHarp Guitar.net.
• Andrew Groehsl (Luthier): A skilled builder of European-style instruments, Groehsl was connected to Flower, helping produce these ornate, often bowl-back, mandolins and guitars in Chicago, according to S. Nathaniel Adams.
• Larson Brothers (Possible Builders): Some Mayflower instruments show characteristics of the famous Larson Brothers workshop, suggesting they also built for the brand, sayseBay. 

Evolution of the Brand:

• Early 1900s: Flower had his own factory producing Mayflowers, with Groehsl likely working there or closely with Flower, creating distinctive models.
• Post-Flower Era: After Flower's factory was acquired by Wurlitzer, the brand continued with different manufacturers, including Stromberg-Voisinet (later Kay), notesHarp Guitar.net. 

In essence, "Flower & Groehsl" signifies a collaborative period where Flower distributed, and Groehsl (along with others like the Larsons) built these unique American-made mandolins, saysS. Nathaniel Adams.