Up for auction is a vintage 1950's-1960's plastic sopranino ukulele ("ukette").  It was designed by Italian luthier and inventor Mario Maccaferri and manufactured by Mastro Plastics in New York City (Model 100).  Although they resemble toys, Maccaferri plastic guitars and ukuleles were designed to be tuned and played.  His first plastic ukuleles were produced in 1950 and he continued to develop new models through the mid-1960's.

This particular example measures approximately 15" long and 4 3/8" wide.  It has an ivory color top with palm trees, a hula girl, and a boy strumming a ukulele.  The sides and rear are brown marbleized plastic.  The headstock is simply labeled "MASTRO" and has 4 red tuning pegs.  The ukette retains its original multi-color plastic strings (very hard to find).  It also comes with its original box and instruction sheet that has a pick taped to the front.  The instruction sheet was written by May Singhi Breen, known as "The Ukulele Lady" for writing hundreds of ukulele arrangements of popular songs during the 1920's and 1930's.  I purchased this unused plastic ukette at a recent estate sale.

Condition of this Mastro ukette is EXCELLENT.  It appears unused.  There is some slight wear to the design around the sound hole and few minor surface imperfections on the marbleized plastic.  As I mentioned earier, the original multi-color strings are intact.  The box is also in nice condition with some minor damage to one flap which also has a "Merry Christmas" label attached.  I don't believe the label can be removed without damaging the box flap surface, so I left it in place.  The instruction sheet has some wrinkling but the original pick is still taped to the front (also a rare find).  Overall, this vintage Mastro ukette looks fantastic and is as nice as you're ever likely to find.  Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself.  I'm confident you'll be very pleased with this purchase.

If you collect vintage musical instruments, particularly ukuleles, don't miss your opportunity to bid on this offering.  It's very uncommon to find this instrument unused in its original box.  My start price of only $9.99 (WITH NO RESERVE) is a ridiculous bargain and intended to spark interest.  So bid now while the price is right and check back often.  This Mastro ukette WILL be sold to the highest bidder!

While you're here, please check out my other auction listings by clicking on the link below.  Whenever possible, I'll be happy to reduce shipping for combined purchases.

See my other listings for more great items!