DESCRIPTION

An antique F.W. Lubeck potato bug style bowl back mandolin.

Made in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Overall length is 24 inches long, body is 8 inches wide and 5-1/2 inches deep.

Top is spruce, body is mahogany and tiger maple.

Neck is mahogany with ebony fingerboard and bridge.

Neck ornamented with inset brass frets and mother of pearl markers.

Tailpiece is brass and patented October 26, 1886.

This patent was awarded to Franz Schwarzer of Washington, Missouri.

The string holder patent was for use on zithers and other stringed instruments.

I was unable to find any information about Lubeck in the census.

He was not listed in the 1880 census for Lake Geneva.

In 1898, the local Lake Geneva newspaper advertised that he had undelivered letters at the post office.

These data lead me to conclude that this mandolin was made in the 1890s.

His zithers are known to exist, but this is the only mandolin that I could find.

Estate find.

CONDITION

Some wear on the neck and face from playing.

No cracks, some small minor dings to bowl.

All tuners operate, needs new strings. 

Otherwise, quite good, original condition.

PLEASE NOTE

This is a vintage used item, has defects from usage and or storage.

Sold in AS IS condition