![]() ![]() Karel Jalovec in his book Italian Violin Makers mentions same label but under name Giosue Esposito (then aforementioned label under it) - Mandolin Maker 1890-1900 but in my opinion he has mistaken Giosue with Giovanni his father not Raffaele himself, also dates given are unprecise as instruments with labels dated as early as 1869 (Viola listed on auction in 2011) and as late as 1906 (mandolin) were found. ![]() Often mentioned alongside Vinaccia and Calace as a important instrument maker for Napoli, according to sources he was usually making Gagliano style violins but as modern copies labeled "Raffaele Esposito in Napoli anno 18888" were being made, it suggests he must have been making viloins in own style as well. Raffaele Esposito, son of Giovani Esposito worked as Violin Maker between 1883(?!)-1894 (then 1895 - 1910 Mandolin Maker). Neck width at nut is 26.4mm, at 10th fret 37.8mm total length 62.5cm, - body width 19cm,- from nut to 12th fret 165mm (total scale length 330mm) Approximate measurements are as follows: Mandolin is fitted with new set of strings - Calace Dogal RW92B soft tension. The finish is mostly original apart from soundboard where it had to be removed and replaced with light protective layer of shellac. There are two barely visible hairline cracks on the soundboard where the fretboard ends but it does not affect the instruments playability and isn't structural concern. The instrument is in very good condition for it's age and has all original parts, there are no splits to soundboard or to bowl, neck and fingerboard are all sound (gold mother of pear has been added to back of headstock), frets were showing little sign of wear so had to be levelled and crowned, tuners were cleaned and lubed (though as many brass tuners turn bit hard when reaching final tension). It has an additional label of importer or shop in Switzerland where this model was very popular, eventually it found it's way into UK going from Italy – Switzerland – Germany and now England. The mandolin made by the most famous mandolin maker and composer Raffaele Calace in 1923 at Via Egiziaca a Piazzofalcone 75, Napoli, Italia. Mandolin is fitted with light set of strings - Pyramid Silver Wound. Craftsmanship of Mandolin feels different from other flat-back mandolins, it feels more precise, it's very light, responsive and producing very loud tone for such small bodied instrument. Tailpiece with sleeve guard itself was imported from Germany as it carries patent information DRGMSCH No 41988 (as the image on label suggests, this type of tailpiece was originally fitted on mandolin). Mandolin has a flat-back body made of highly flamed maple, it has a canted soundboard made of tight grain spruce, finished with ornate soundhole and MOP inlayed tortoiseshell pickguard. Although label does not carry actual date of make it is most likely that the mandolin was made at time of Antonio Giacomo Monzino IV (1847-1929) who also created a “Mandolinist Club” which would indicate was the one who cherished mandolins in particular. Monzino family was also very active in publishing, involved in string making and developing modern machinery for wood manufacturing. Seven generations of Monzino family have been making and distributing musical instruments since 1750, with business establish date as 1767. ![]()
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