Neapolitan Mandonlin, mahogany, rosewood and sycamore ribs, Clément Eulry, French, 1800 - 1830.

"Body of sixteen ribs of sycamore, rosewood and mahogany, forming a striking banded appearance. Pine belly, slightly bent inwards at bridge level, with an open mouthhole with stringing surrounds and a protector plate of rosewood, inlaid. Bridge missing. Ebony neck with fingerboard extending on to belly and eighteen frets of silver T-section wire. The flat head has decorative ivory studs along the sides, and eight rear pegs for four double courses of metal strings, running to four ivory hitch studs at the base of the body". - Anthony Baines: Catalogue of Musical Instruments in the Victoria and Albert Museum - Part II: Non-keyboard instruments. (London, 1998), p. 41.

This instrument formed part of the collections of Carl Engel (1818-1882) and was bought by the museum in 1882 for £1 - 10 - 0 (£1.50).

Clément Eulry (ca. 1765-1835) was a maker of violins, bows and mandolins. He was based in Mirecourt, main centre for making musical instruments in France, outside Paris. Although undated, this instrument is probably a fairly early example of a 'Neapolitan' mandolin, made outside Italy. This version of the instrument was tuned like a violin and played with a quill or plectrum. Those who composed for it included Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) and Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).

216-1882