Orpheum #1 Model Mandolin Banjo, made by Rettberg and Lange, c. 1918, made in New York City, natural varnish finish, laminated maple neck and rim, original black hard shell case.
Here's a real oddball of a banjo-mandolin�an Orpheum #1 built on a 12" pot! While Rettberg & Lange "man-jos" are fairly common, we have never before encountered one with such a large proportion of head to neck! Fully original, as evidenced by the hardshell case, this was either a short-lived variation or a special order. The standard Orpheum banjo-mandolin uses an 11" pot, with the 12" generally used on early tenors and some five string models.
This Orpheum is in very fine condition, complete except for the oft-missing clamshell missing tailpiece cover (we have a recurring fantasy of finding a huge box of these covers at a fleamarket). Despite its oddly squat appearance, this is actually a very good-sounding insrtument with quite a powerful sound with plenty of volume but a less shrill attack than many 8-string banjos.
Typically fancy Orpheum ornamentation includes multiple shaped pearl inlay and neck laminations, with the raised tone ring characteristic of the brand. A great relic of the just pre-jazz age, perfect for your jug band or ragtime orchestra. One of the coolest and most unusual "man-jos" we have seen.
Overall length is 25 1/8 in. (63.8 cm.), 12 5/16 in. (31.3 cm.) diameter of rim, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 1/2 in. (368 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
All original (except head and bridge). In very good playing condition. Excellent Condition.
