Soprano Ukulele, most likely made by Harmony, c. 1922, made in Chicago, natural varnish finish, flamed mahogany body, mahogany neck, gig bag case.
This is a very nice medium-fancy example of an early mainland-built "Hawaiian" style ukulele, a very popular item about 100 years ago. It is not labeled but is very similar to those sold by Sears, Roebuck & Co. under their "Supertone" brand. These were made for them by Harmony, a company they had recently purchased for the express purpose of getting inexpensive ukes and guitars to market! "Made in USA" is stamped internally on the heelblock but there are no other markings.
The grained mahogany body (which looks somewhat like Hawaiian Koa wood) is bound with alternating wood trim in the Hawaiian manner on the top and sound hole ring, as well as a strip running up the fingerboard. The back is slightly arched, and the headstock has a 3-point shape; all these features are typical of actual Hawaiian instruments. The pegs are typical early carved wood violin style. 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 '20s. This is a nice survivor, still playable a century or so on.
Overall length is 20 5/8 in. (52.4 cm.), 6 1/8 in. (15.6 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 3/8 in. (35 mm.).
For being something like 100 years old this uke is pretty clean with only light wear and tear. There are some minor dings, dents and scuffs and the bridge has probably been reglued at some point but that's about it. The action is comfortable in the first position and creeps up beyond that, but it is quite playable within the expected use of these early ukes. Overall a sweet sounding, neat genuine vintage piece with a cool vibe. Excellent - Condition.
