This is a very rare Soprano Ukulele built by Jonah Kumalae in Hawaii. The estimated build date is somewhere between 1920 and 1925 making this instrument right at or just below 100 years old.

According to (tikiking DOT com) Kumalae started his business in 1911 and the 1915 P.P.I.E. model Ukelele was produced sometime after 1915. Kumalae built 6 styles 0 to 5 or 0,A,B,C,D,E and I assume this is a number 3 or C style based on the rope inlay and rings at the sound hole. This one does not have body rope inlay binding so that is a bit of a mystery from the historic data? There is no sound hole label and some of these (according to tikiking website) were marked in pencil with a serial number and letter inside the sound hole. This one is marked in pencil (11C or 11E) inside the sound hole.

This Kumalae Ukelele is in exceptional condition given its age however it is being listed in antique "as is" condition and will require a qualified Luthier for minor repairs before it can be played.

FOR REPAIR OR PARTS ONLY.

The Hawaiian Koa wood is stunning in person and has that aged golden honey color to it. There is an small piece of the nut missing, there is a slight indentation under the bridge from age and there is a 3" hairline crack in the back slightly down from the sound hole and off center that can only be seen using a light. It is right on the dark Koa wood grain and nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. There is also a crack in one of the original tuning pegs and two pegs are missing.

There are small scuffs and wear normal for an instrument of this age. The fretboard and frets are in solid condition with no substantial sign of use. The neck is lazer straight with zero warping.

In my personal opinion, the Ukelele is in outstanding original condition all things considered.

The original hard case is also in amazing shape as most of them were lost or damaged along the way. This case shows some wear and will require a leather strap repair as the original rear strap is missing. Usually the handles are missing or badly damaged and this one is intact. The case is an easy restore and compliments the package wonderfully.

Please see and enlarge pictures for detail.

Please ask questions if you have them or if you want additional pictures.

This would make a great addition to any collection of vintage American instruments and a great player for the enthusiast, one that will only increase in value over time.

Please see detailed pictures and judge condition for yourself prior to purchase...no refunds!