C. Bruno Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, most likely made by Oscar Schmidt, c. 1890, made in New York, natural varnish finish, Brazillian rosewood body, spruce top, original black coffin hard shell case.
A beautiful (and beautiful-sounding) small-bodied guitar from the late 19th century, marked "C. Bruno Trade Mark" by one of New York's most prominent jobbers of the era. Like many of the instruments sold in that time and place, this guitar is almost certainly the work of the Oscar Schmidt company in Jersey City, in this case a particularly early example.
The bracing, bridge, and headstock shapes foreshadow the typical 20th century Schmidt designs, and while this guitar is cosmetically plain, it is very well made. The back and sides are Brazilian rosewood and the top is spruce, with no binding or ornamentation except plain wood inlaid soundhole rings. The V-profile mahogany neck has an ebonized fingerboard inlaid with three large pearl dots, while the tuners are brass with bone buttons. The bridge is rosewood with the distinctive slope, wire saddle, and sharp pyramid ends that characterize later Schmidt-made bridges.
The guitar plays beautifully with silk-and-steel strings and has a wonderfully expansive sound for such a small instrument.
Overall length is 36 1/4 in. (92.1 cm.), 11 11/16 in. (29.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 23 7/8 in. (606 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
Well-restored, with two spliced top cracks and the bridge reglued more than once over the last 100 years. Surprisingly little play wear. Some French polishing to the back and sides, but overall very original condition. Includes the original wooden coffin case in serviceable shape. Excellent Condition.
