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Thread: C. Bruno and Son

  1. #1

    Default C. Bruno and Son

    I always wanted a mandolin and I recently picked a C. Bruno and Son bowl back at a local Guitar Show.
    But I need help dating it, the gentleman I purchased it form dates it at 1913.

    I did find what I assume is the serial #242750 any help would be appreciated.

    Thank you

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Post some photos. Bruno was a distributor and they had other makers make mandolins with their brand on them. I don't know if anyone has compiled a database of Bruno serial numbers. the company also goes back pretty far -- I have an original catalog from 1888 and I believe they were in business before that.
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    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    …I believe they were in business before that.
    Charles Bruno Sr. partnered with C. F. Martin in 1838, had other partners until he went "solo" in 1863, brought his son into the biz before he died in 1884. So Bruno's been around a long time. Always sold instruments built by others.

    Pics will be necessary. Given the wide variety of instruments, from many makers, sold under the "Bruno" label, doubt that a serial number matrix for all of them would be achievable.
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  4. #4

    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    I hope these help Click image for larger version. 

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  5. #5
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    You have a fairly upscale model, with a large number of rosewood "ribs" making up the bowl, separated by lighter strips (holly?).

    Thinking Chicago origin, period 1900-1925 or so. Could be Lyon & Healy/Washburn -- the "scooped" headstock silhouette reminds me of another make, but I can't think which one...
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

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  7. #6

    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Thanks everyone for your help.
    Andy

  8. #7
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    I'm with Alan, looks very "Chicago" like, it don't know if Bruno is still around but, back in the mid 70's they had a rep named Gene Rucker for the "tri state area" when they brought the "Aida" line of banjos out. Pretty decent for the price. When I worked at "Homespun Music" we went to an open house and picked up one of the pieces of cabinetry which was way outdated for the warehouse but, cool as a cucumber for a retail harmonica,small goods unit. I think I still have an ashtray from Bruno & Sons.
    Sorry that was way off track.
    Very cool find on the mandolin! I think Washburn most likely.
    Timothy F. Lewis
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  9. #8

    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

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    Just wanted to post on the Bruno Thread. I have a 12 sting, beautiful inlaid pearl and perfect shape. Was curious about your feedback here about it. I usually only string it as an 8.

    What would you say about this model

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  11. #9
    Registered User nmiller's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Quote Originally Posted by Kohnhead99 View Post
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    Just wanted to post on the Bruno Thread. I have a 12 sting, beautiful inlaid pearl and perfect shape. Was curious about your feedback here about it. I usually only string it as an 8.

    What would you say about this model
    Based on the 1917 catalog it appears to be a model 145.
    www.OldFrets.com: the obscure side of vintage instruments.

  12. #10
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Can you post a larger image? I am not a big fan of 12 string mandolins and it is probably smart to only string it as an 8-string but I have always thought that if I had to have one I might string it with octave strings one the lower-pitched courses. I assume that these 12-strings were built heavier than standard models and with wider necks. Is the fretboard all pearl or pearloid?
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  13. #11
    Registered User Peter K's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Is the fretboard all pearl or pearloid?
    Jim, I have had unwavering faith in your superlative mandolin expertise.....until now, that is, when you have to ask the above question. And in utter disbelief I keep wondering if you really can't tell it's natural MOP we are looking at, or you are just playing head games with us, your disciples ?

  14. #12
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    When someone posts a postage stamp size photo I do not resolutely conclude anything, grasshopper. And neither should you. OTOH I did forget to mention that these. are technically called the Bluto models after Popeye’s nemesis’ beard.
    Jim

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  15. #13
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: C. Bruno and Son

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    ..... these are technically called the Bluto models after Popeye’s nemesis’ beard.
    You are correct, sir!

    Mick
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