c.1925 Bruno Fancy Mandolin

This is a really nice old flatback mandolin, probably late 1920s, and most likely made by Lyon & Healy (or Regal?) for the distributor Bruno. Aside from a setup, cleaning, and fret polish, I've also shaved the fretboard extension to return the neck to a flatter profile (the top near the neck pocket had changed shape just slightly so that the extension was raised a hair).

Materials on this are choice: super quality Brazilian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, and fine spruce top. It has a floral MOP-inlaid celluloid pickguard, snowflake and dot MOP-inlaid ebony fretboard, and compensated original ebony bridge. How cool is that? Not to mention... hardware is all original, it has an engraved tuner cover plate, and the binding is all white/black/white everywhere, with bound fretboard, and some nice marquetry around the soundhole and top edge.

Bone nut, rosewood headstock veneer.

The finish has crackled throughout but still looks really nice. The aged-in warmth in the finish gives this a great feel.

Ebony board.

Honey top!

Great ebony bridge.

Rosette.


The pickguard is inlaid into the top in bowlback fashion.


Label.


Side... check out that beautiful rosewood!


Yum.

Not to mention side dots on the bound fretboard... nice touch.

Certainly a looker... with tone and playability to match. This thing has great chirp and super sustain and depth. Very warm, round bottom with a smooth top.

Tuner plate cover... v-neck.

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A beaut.


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I can't say enough about how great that binding looks.

Tailpiece is unfortunately missing its cover.