Bruno "The Dandy Line" Model Soprano Ukulele, made by Harmony, c. 1929, made in Chicago, dark brown lacquer finish, birch body.
A nice example of the decorated ukes which were quite the rage in the late 1920's and early 1930's. For the manufacturer or dealer it was an easy way to diversify the product line without much extra effort! Essentially the same instrument could be offered in multiple finishes with different design motifs, which ranged from the whimsical to the truly eccentric.
This is a fairly typical Harmony-made soprano uke with nicely stenciled cosmetics. The top and soundhole are bound with white celluloid; there are stenciled designs around the soundhole edge and behind the bridge. The headstock is marked with a decal reading "The Dandy Line" over a dandelion flower, and there is a colorful C.Bruno label inside, along with the "Standard Approved" label that was the mark of Harmony at the time. Bruno was one of New York's largest jobbers and "the Dandy line" was one of their many midline brand names.
Overall length is 20 7/8 in. (53 cm.), 6 in. (15.2 cm.) width, and 2 3/8 in. (6 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.).
All original with minor wear and finish flaking, mostly to the back of the neck. Excellent Condition.
