Up for sale is an early 1900’s William C. Stahl bowl back (bowlback) mandolin. This vintage Stahl “Melon Back” mandolin was created by the legendary Larson Brothers around 1906.
Features a beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay in the pick guard along with floral metal etched detail on back of head and at base of instrument.
As can be expected from an instrument that as been played, there are some various nicks and scratches. The two main flaws I would like to note: there are string cracks on the body and one of the tuning pegs is split. Missing one string. Please refer to photos.
This is a truly spectacular instrument for a collector or someone who would like to restore it. Please feel free to ask questions.
Any serious bluegrass expert will know of these Chicago-based luthiers, their peerless craftsmanship, and the affect they had on American-made folk instruments.