Augusto Vieira Flat-Back Mandolin from 1917

This rare flat-back mandolin by Augusto Vieira from 1917 is part of the history of Portuguese instrument making in the early 20th century, at a time when the mandolin was enjoying great popularity in Europe thanks to plectrum orchestras, bourgeois salons, and the spread of popular and classical music.

Augusto Vieira is recognized as one of the most important Portuguese luthiers of this period, working mainly in Lisbon, where he developed a meticulous production of mandolins, guitars, and plucked string instruments intended for both amateur musicians and experienced performers.

In 1917, in the midst of World War I, the mandolin remained a central instrument in Portuguese musical life, integrated into fado, traditional ensembles, and classical formations influenced by Italian and Neapolitan models.

Augusto Vieira's flat mandolins stood out for their rigorous craftsmanship, combining Iberian traditions and European influences, with particular attention paid to sound projection, tonal balance, and structural stability.

These instruments were renowned for their reliability, understated elegance, and ability to produce a highly dynamic, clear, and expressive sound, suitable for both melodic playing and rhythmic accompaniment.

The date 1917 places this instrument in a period of maturity for the Vieira workshop, during which the quality of craftsmanship and acoustic consistency reached a particularly sought-after level.

This flat mandolin by Augusto Vieira, dated 1917, is a precious testament to Portuguese craftsmanship, combining historical value, refined musicality, and timeless charm, making it an instrument that is as inspiring to play as it is exceptional to listen to.

Technical characteristics:

• Top: Spruce
• Back: Walnut
• Ribs: Walnut
• Neck: Cedar
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut width: 30.5 mm
• Radius: Pronounced
• Frets: 17 frets (+1 zero fret)
• Scale length: 350 mm
• Profile: D
• Country of manufacture: Portugal, Lisbon
• Year: 1917
• Finish: Natural
• Decorations: Binding on the top, back, and rosette / Rosette inlaid with wood
• Details: Excellent overall condition / Some slight signs of wear and tear normal for its age / Bone made bridge / Comes in its original walnut case with high-quality red fabric interior

Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been carefully adjusted.

This makes it extremely comfortable to play.

The sound of this Augusto Vieira flat mandolin is lively, highly dynamic, precise, and balanced, with singing trebles, warm mids and basses, and an immediate response ideal for expressive playing.

It offers superb, elegant natural projection and a subtle harmonic richness that will appeal to both musicians and collectors in search of authentic sound.