Bruno & Son, NY Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, most likely made by Oscar Schmidt, c. 1920's, made in Jersey City, NJ, natural varnish finish, lacewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard.
This is a rather fancy Concert-size guitar that must have had an interesting life so far. It is labeled "Bruno and Sons" and was almost certainly made by Oscar Schmidt of Jersey City in the late 1910's or 1920's, but has several unusual features. The back and sides appear to be highly figured lacewood, a decorative timber rarely seen in guitar making.
The top is spruce with celluloid binding and multiple rings of colored wood marquetry around the edge and soundhole. This same marquetry pattern is used on the back for both edge binding and backstrip. The single-bound peghead has a star inlay in the rosewood facing.
This fancy guitar would have been relatively expensive when new, more on par with Schmidt's upscale "Soverign" line than the more famous "Stella" brandname. Bruno was one of the major New York Jobber/retailers for many years, and many of their instruments were provided by Schmidt; this is a particularly nice example.
Overall length is 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm.), 13 1/4 in. (33.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 9/16 in. (9 cm.) deep. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.).
This guitar has had a lot of work performed through the years but is perfectly playable. The bridge is a modern reproduction; the top has several repaired cracks and has been oversprayed.
The fingerboard looks to be from the 1940's or 50's. It is made of ebony with pearl block inlay, bound and radiused. The finish has been buffed and polished.
Despite the alterations this guitar is an unusual example of a fancy American flat top with a delicate and singing tone. Very Good + Condition.
