Harwood mandolins and guitars

**brunello97** · Dec-18-2012, 6:23pm

Please post some photos, dude. This thread is a nice compendium of Harwood instruments and would benefit from the inclusion of yours. I'm sure I speak for others in saying we enjoy seeing it.

If you would like to sell it, you might generate an ad for the "classifieds" section of the Cafe.

Mick

**brunello97** · Mar-26-2013, 7:33am

Beautiful Harwood bowlback on the ebay right now. One of the nicest I've seen:

Harwood bowlback

Nice way to start the day....

Mick

**Jim Garber** · Mar-26-2013, 8:11am

Originally Posted by brunello97

Beautiful Harwood bowlback on the ebay right now.

Looks like it was re- or over-finished. Seller says prob ivory tuners but they look like they were plastic and starting to disintegrate. Those side markers are quite strange. The headstock is reminiscent of Bohmann. There may still be some connection there.

**KanMando** · Mar-26-2013, 10:14am

Very similar to my No. 46 in post #164 in this thread. I referred to the 1895 catalog, and as usual, this bowlback does not conform exactly to the models shown. As I said in post #164, my No. 46 is the only Harwood we've seen that conforms exactly to the model in the catalog. Differences: fretboard inlays, rosette inlays, pickguard. My No.46 does not have the fret indicator inlays in the neck, nor do any of the Harwood mandolins in the catalog. Nice mandolin.

Bob

**brunello97** · Mar-26-2013, 5:28pm

Originally Posted by KanMando

Very similar to my No. 46 in post #164 in this thread.... and as usual, this bowlback does not conform exactly to the models shown.

Bob

I know that's right.

How about that nutty scratch plate? I love the top color on these. I had a Ricca bowlback some years ago with almost a similar hue, though with a bit more of an orange cast.

Mick

**brunello97** · Apr-15-2013, 7:17am

Another Harwood bowlback has turned up on the ebay, this time a 12-string (?!)

Harwood 12 string bowl

Looks to be in pretty rough shape.

Mick

**Jim Garber** · Apr-15-2013, 8:07am

Just wha6t you need, Mick. A broken 12 string bowlback!

**brunello97** · Apr-15-2013, 8:23am

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

Just wha6t you need, Mick. A broken 12 string bowlback!

Yikes, no.

These Harwoods grow ever strangelier. I wouldn't be surprised to find out of the 8754 mandolins that were made that there were 8611 different models....

Mick

**Thor Halvorsen** · Apr-24-2013, 10:31am

I have a bowl back that looks like the top farthest left one (hardwood). Curious, I located a number that is written/etched on the brace in the inside of the top of the sound hole, just underneath the fretboard, looks like 1917. Also on the inside face of the bowl against the neck is the trademark triangular stamp, and on the back of where you tune the strings is the numbers 403 20, atop a metal plate on the back of the tuning board which also bears the name harwood.

Mine also has its original case (wanna see pictures?). Thank you for your help too. This is the first older instrument I've now the chance to own and look forward to getting more historical info on it.

Thor

**Jim Garber** · Apr-24-2013, 10:44am

I have a bowl back that looks like the top farthest left one

I think Thor is referring to this photo of my ex-Harwood and a few others.

BTW I sold that Harwood to the prop guy from the Jersey Boys show. I wonder if they still use it. Supposedly it was used in a scene in an Italian restaurant and one of the actors was to play it. I never did see the show. I should have asked for tickets as part of the deal.

**KanMando** · Apr-30-2013, 12:06pm

Originally Posted by brunello97

Yikes, no.

These Harwoods grow ever strangelier. I wouldn't be surprised to find out of the 8754 mandolins that were made that there were 8611 different models....

Mick

Well Mick, they made four models of the 12 string:

Click image for larger version.

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**KanMando** · Apr-30-2013, 12:09pm

Originally Posted by Thor Halvorsen

I have a bowl back that looks like the top farthest left one (hardwood). Curious, I located a number that is written/etched on the brace in the inside of the top of the sound hole, just underneath the fretboard, looks like 1917. Also on the inside face of the bowl against the neck is the trademark triangular stamp, and on the back of where you tune the strings is the numbers 403 20, atop a metal plate on the back of the tuning board which also bears the name harwood.

Mine also has its original case (wanna see pictures?). Thank you for your help too. This is the first older instrument I've now the chance to own and look forward to getting more historical info on it.

Thor

By all means post some photos.

Bob

**Jim Garber** · Apr-30-2013, 1:37pm

Originally Posted by KanMando

Well Mick, they made four models of the 12 string:

Bob: What year is that catalog?

**KanMando** · Apr-30-2013, 6:54pm

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

Bob: What year is that catalog?

Jim - There's no actual publication date printed anywhere in the catalog, but there are several references in the catalog that indicate it was published in 1895. It also jibes with Kansas City newspaper advertisements from that time.

Bob

**Jim Garber** · Apr-30-2013, 8:54pm

That would make a lot of sense also since the ostensible connection with Bohmann who was active around that time. The left one definitely looks like his work.