TB Co. Hawaiian Style Model Soprano Ukulele, most likely made by Slingerland, c. 1918, made in Chicago, natural finish, mahogany body, poplar neck, gig bag case.
A very nice early mainland uke in the Hawaiian style uke stamped internally "Hawaiian Ukulele made by TB Co." "TB" were major jobber Tonk Brothers of Chicago; the instrument is the typical style built by Slingerland (who got into the music business through ukuleles, before becoming primarily a banjo and drum company). The "Hawaiian" marking is spurious and this was the cause of litigation between the chamber of commerce of the territory of Hawaii and several large Chicago instrument companies! With a rope-pattern bound body and soundhole, wooden pegs, good quality woods overall this is a nicely made instrument and a better uke than most comparable period examples.
Overall length is 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.), 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/2 in. (38 mm.). All original and extremely clean overall; one cleanly repaired side crack on the lower bass bout is the only real flaw. A few scratches and nicks but no real wear; sounds and plays unusually well for this period Chicago-Hawaiian style ukulele. Excellent + Condition.
