Luigi Cavalli - - Mandolin - Italy - 1900

Superb antique Italian mandolin dated 1900 This is a Neapolitan-style mandolin manufactured in Voghera, North Italy, by the luthier Luigi Cavalli (see the Note below), and dated September 5, 1900 (see the picture of the inner label). Except of the soundboard, which is obviously spruce wood, all the rest is made with Jacaranda (Brazilian rosewood). The fretboard and parts of the inlays seem ebony to me. This mandolin is a masterpiece of lutherie, richly decorated with inlays of mother-of-pearl and various wood essences. Really a superb musical instrument. Conditions: of course, due to its age (126 years!) the mandolin must be revised by a luthier. All what I see (but I am not an expert) is some small cracks at the End clasp (highlighted in pic #13), which are only affecting that piece, not the body; this is very often seen on this piece of old mandolins. There is also a crack in the soundboard close to one side of the neck, with an associated slight shifting, which is highlighted in Pic #15. Two of the central ribs of the body are separated toward the end, which is highlighted in Pic #14. Some mother-of-pearl inlays around the shaft of the tuners are missing. The action at fret #12 is about 3,5 mm. Three small mother-of-pearl pieces of the inlaid all around the sound board are missed. Length: 61 cm Then, no serious issues, everything can be fixed by a luthier. Shipping costs: Italy 10 euro, Europe 30 euro, overseas 60 euro. Note: Mandolins by Luigi Cavalli appears once in a while on sale on the net. There is one currently on the net, not so decorated as this one, and dated 1890 accordingly to the seller (but there are no dates anywhere), bearing the same label, and offered at high price.

Stima:275€

Vedi tutti gli oggetti diCatawikioMusica & Strumenti Musicali