Doug's 1905 Vega Mandolin made for Giuseppe Pettine,
And the original case

    About 25 years ago I spoke to a one of the owners of Vega and he informed me that the mandolins with the silver plate ("Special") were custom made one of a kind special order instruments.  In addition he said that the customers name was often engraved on the back.
    I bought the instrument from 95 year old man who's wife was a Classical Guitar Player and had a very large collection of Martin, Gibson, etc. She bought this one in Europe while on tour; they disappeared soon.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/article.html
One of the most prominent Italians was Giuseppe Pettine, who was born in Isernia (Italy) and settled with his family in Providence, Rhode Island. Soon after his move, Pettine was touring the states as a concert mandolinist. He was also important for he published his six-volume mandolin method in 1896, which was one of the most comprehensive works to be published in America (Sparks 121).

http://www.mandolin-orchestra.org/repertor.htm
Sunset on the Pawtuxet
Giuseppe Pettine
Providence native Giuseppe Pettine, was one of the major mandolin soloists and teachers of the early twentieth century
 


   
   
   
   
   
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