J. R. Stewart Company Le Domino Model Soprano Ukulele (mid-late 1920's), made in Chicago, black lacquer finish, birch body, black original hard shell case.
The Le Domino Ukulele is a genuine 1920's classic, one of the more distinctive instruments of its era.
The J.R. Stewart company of Chicago built Le Domino guitars, mandolins, soprano and tenor ukes and banjo-ukes in the 1920's, and the successful brand passed to Regal in the early 30's after Stewart was forced out of business following a disastrous deal with Lyon & Healy. The standard Le Domino ukulele was the best seller, and it's easy to see why.
Sold at a moderate price, the uke is well made, though not to the level of quality of a Martin, and very flashy looking.
The sleek black finish is highlighted by white binding on the body and neck and a laminated W/B/W plastic nut. Domino decals adorn the fingerboard at positions 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12, with the tiny dominoes numerically designating the position. Larger decaled dominoes decorate the top below the bridge, and a gold soundhole ring festooned with small dominoes completes the top ornamentation. The headstock carries a J.R.S. & co. diamond logo and a gold script "Le Domino", and has a distinctive carved ledge that was carried on as a feature of many later Regal Uke family instruments.
The uke is lightly braced in an unusual pattern and sounds very good.
Overall length is 21.75 in. (55.2 cm.), 6.75 in. (17.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2.25 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.).
Well restored condition, one large top crack professionally repaired on bass side of bridge, small repaired split off soundhole. White-button tuners are reconstructions using period parts, original buttons being disintegrated. Some wear to bridge holes, finish overall very nice. A good-playing example. Very Good + Condition.
