Mandolinetto, most likely made by Harmony, c. 1910, made in Chicago, natural finish, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck.

The Mandolinetto, or guitar shaped mandolin was quite popular during the mandolin craze of 100+ years ago. Despite the disapproval of some old-line Mandolin purists ("Guitar shaped mandolins?? FAH!!) players liked them as they were easier to hold and manufacturers liked them as they were far easier to build than the traditional bowl-back. If the "Lute mandolin" (as built by Martin and Washburn) and the carved-top mandolin (By Gibson) had not come along, these little figure-8 eight strings might still be popular. Sadly, they fell from vogue in the 1920's and are practically extinct today.

This is a very nice if not overly fancy Mandolinetto, made quite well of high grade materials. It looks like the sort of work Harmony was turning out at the time, although there are several other Chicago makers who might be responsible. The top and back are triple bound and there is "half-herringbone" wood marquetry along the top edge, soundhole and backstrip. The inlaid pickguard appears to be real tortoise, the fingerboard has pearl dots inlaid and the woods are rather good quality. This small instrument is louder then most bowlbacks, with a nice ringing tone.
 
Overall length is 21 3/4 in. (55.2 cm.), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 12 7/8 in. (327 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.). Very well preserved with minor wear; all original except repro bridge. Unlike many of these traditionally lightly built instruments this one is structurally solid and a good player. Generally Excellent Condition.