Bruno Lyra Model Soprano Ukulele, c. 1920, probably Chicago, natural varnish finish, flame mahogany body and neck, original canvas case.
A particularly nice example of an early mainland-built "Hawaiian" style ukulele. The light flamey mahogany body (which looks very much like Hawaiian Koa wood) is bound with alternating wood trim in the Hawaiian manner on the top and back, as are the soundhole and fingerbord center strip. The pegs are plain carved violin-style, and the back is slightly arched, all typical of actual Hawaiian instruments. This style of ukulele was made in Chicago in large numbers by Harmony, Regal, Slingerland and others in the late 'teens and early 'twenties and sold through mail order catalogs, music stores and retail outlets around the country during the first part of the "Uke Craze" of the '20's. This uke like many from this period is labeled as "Genuine Hawaiian"-which not surprizingly caused much consternation in Hawaii, and led to a bitter legal battle!
This particular uke carries a colorful label from Bruno in New York, with their mid-line LYRA brand and "hand made Hawaiian Ukule" inscribed inside a wreath pattern. This is a very fine example of this period and style of ukulele, unusually well preserved and very lightly built with a thin varnish finish; a fine player with an extremely good sound.
Overall length is 20 5/8 in. (52.4 cm.), 6 in. (15.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/16 in. (36 mm.). Exceptionally fine condition overall; no cracks or repairs only the very lightest signs of use. One of the nicest of this style we have seen, with an extremely well-preserved end-opening original case as well. Excellent + Condition.
