Koa Wood Model Concert Ukulele (maker unknown), c. 1919, made in Chicago, natural finish, koa wood body and neck, rosewood fingerboard.
This is an interesting and rather rare early concert-sized uke, likely made in Chicago although of the native Hawaiian style. A sticker inside reads "genuine Koa Wood" and that appears to be actually the case! The neck is slimmer than the usual Hawaiian practice and the heel is the one-piece American style, otherwise this is a relatively close copy of a typical period Hawaiian instrument.
With "Zipper" binding on the top and sound hole, Champion banjo pegs, and nicely grained woods, overall this is a high quality instrument with a good sound. It is rare to encounter factory-made ukes of this era in other than soprano size, making this an especially interesting find.
Overall length is 22 1/4 in. (56.5 cm.), 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
All original with a heavy age patina; one rather sloppily repaired back crack (probably long ago) but no other repairs. A very good-sounding and playing early large-body uke. Generally Excellent Condition.
