c.1920 Unmarked (Lyon & Healy?) Bowlback Mandolin

This is a great-sounding bowlback that in better years was probably a nice example of a middle-to-higher end mandolin from the period. My guess was that this was a Lyon & Healy creation, c.1920 or so, but please correct me if I'm wrong. It bears no label.

The bowl is entirely rosewood, with a nice spruce top, and mahogany neck with ebony overlay. Binding is profuse and gives an excellent rich, sculpted appearance. This mandolin is entirely original save for a new rosewood bridge. The tone is sweet, loud, but very balanced, with a chirrup sort of overtone and quality that reminds me precisely of old Vega bowlbacks from the same time.

Headstock. Missing binding at the top. Ebony nut.

Probably a dyed-maple or dyed-pearwood board. Pearl inlay with bound sides. Very elegant with a nice wide profile that feels good on the fingers (I hate skinny skinny necks as I play a lot of chords in my melodies!).

A pretty little one.

3/4 shot.

Soundhole and top also have nice "rope" purfling... just like on period mahogany furniture... :)

Tailpiece cover a little worse for wear but still presentable.


Side.

Bowl is in really good shape. I didn't have to reglue any of it, fortunately, though I did have to reglue both top middle braces as the top had sunken a bit and the braces had become unattached.

Bakelite buttons.

Back.

Back -- note the nice celluloid edging around the sides.

Tuner plate is rusted up (a testament to the super grungy state this guy was found in) but inside everything was squeaky-clean and ship-shape (another reason tuner covers are a plus).

Side.


Detail.


Tailpiece.


Overview. Plays great, too!