c.1920 Richter "Duncan Sisters" Ukulele

I am an enthusiastic supporter of these old c.1920s Richter ukes. Bonnie and I have two of them -- both in an identical body shape to this one -- one an all-koa uke with rope binding, the other with red celluloid binding, black-stained sides, and poplar? or maple? top and back. Both are loud, with fantastic tone, super-lightweight, and perfectly easy on the hands and cozy to hold. This one follows that example. I'd keep it -- but then -- why have three of the same uke? Well... they're awesome... but I don't think that'd be a very good excuse to tell my Mrs. Wildwood, especially with this one's close kin staring out from our rack on the wall.

This uke was apparently some sort of marketing scheme to cash in on the Duncan Sisters... totally cool decal on the front and cute little soundhole label, too. It's totally original, save a couple pegs -- it came with three -- and I replaced one from my vintage peg assortment (period). Oh... also a "new" old replacement 12th fret. Top and back are solid mahogany, super thin, sides look like poplar, neck is possibly poplar too? No fretboard -- "frets in the neck" style. I did a neck reset on this fellow and also glued up some hairlines and a loose brace.

Dark-stained headstock with "Cicero Blues" stencil in gold paint. C-o-o-l.

Original bridge. Again... sweet decal... save the blackface routine... eeeesh.





Richter Mfg. is stamped on the back of the headstock.

OH! AND WHAT IS THIS? Yes, this thing does have "eggplant" colored sides. Way freaking cool, huh? Black celluloid binding top and back, too. Don't let the over-the-topness fool you, though. These ukes sound, feel, and are pretty amazing instruments.