Description

Italian Flat Back Mandolin – Early 1900s

Small flat back Italian mandolin from the early years of the 20th century by G. Puglisi, Real & Figli. Internal (early) foil label G. Puglisi, Real & Figli. Cantania, Sicily 1908.

We are not musicians but to our eye, although somewhat patinated with residual grime after years of use, this little instrument is in good original condition with no cracks, lifting veneers or loose joints that can often be found with instruments of this age.

We have left it strictly as acquired so that the purchaser may clean, revivify or leave the finish to their own tastes.

Dimensions – c22 inches long by 5 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches deep.

G Puglisi, Reale & Figli

The Puglisi family has started to build musical instruments in Catania (Sicily) since 1820.

Giuseppe(G.) Reale was born in 1852 and was the son of a piano and organ builder. In 1880 he has founded one of the largest Italian factories for manufacturing bowed and plucked string instruments.

After 1906 the firm`s name appears already as “G. Puglisi Reale II Figli(o)”.

Figli(o) means “sons” in Italian. The sons are Concetto Puglisi and Michelangelo Puglisi. Michelangelo Puglisi ran the workshop successfully after 1909 and his son Salvatore also played a part in this.

They were active makers of fine violins (mainly), bows, strings, guitars, mandolins and unique cellos. Unfortunately the factory was destroyed during WWII by bombardment in 1943.

Although it was rebuilt and some noted instruments were built after this time, many of the original Puglisi family subsequently migrated from Sicily to USA, Canada and Australia.

All items are covered by the Distance Selling Regulations which give buyers the right to cancel the purchase within seven days after receipt of the item for a full refund less RETURN transport costs.