Gelas Double-Top Mandolin from 1927, Numbered (5947) and Stamped: An Exceptional Collector's Piece

Visual Characteristics:

1. Top View:

   • Shape: The mandolin has a characteristic teardrop shape.
   • Soundboard: Composed of two inclined parts, made of wood, inlaid to enhance sound projection.
   • Rosette: The rosette around the sound hole is decorated, likely with the maker's inscription (Gelas).
   • Bridge: Specific with a leather protection plate under the bridge to prevent scratches from the pick.
   • Neck: Made of ebony with white dot inlays to mark the frets.
   • Head: The head is split and features two rows of tuning keys.

2. Back View:

   • Back: Made of figured wood, offering an elegant and distinctive aesthetic.
   • Neck: Extends in a gentle curve towards the head, maintaining the instrument’s aesthetic harmony.
   • Tuning Keys: Aligned for precise tuning.

3. Side View:

   • Depth: Shows the depth of the mandolin's body, contributing to sound resonance.
   • Construction: Visible attention to detail and the quality of the wood used.

4. Brand Detail:

   • Stamping: The mandolin is stamped with the serial number (5947) and the date (1927), attesting to its authenticity.
   • Inlay: The inlay details add aesthetic and historical value to the instrument.

Specific Information:

• Serial Number: 5947
• Date of Manufacture: 1927
• Stamping: Visible on the soundboard.

History of the Gelas Mandolin

1. The Beginnings of the Mandolin:

   • Origins: The mandolin appeared in Italy in the 16th century as an evolution of the mandore and quickly gained popularity in Europe.
   • Evolution: The Neapolitan mandolin became the standard in the 18th century with its four pairs of metal strings.

2. Jean-Baptiste Gelas’s Innovation:

   • Context: In the early 20th century, Jean-Baptiste Gelas, a French luthier born in 1855, revolutionized mandolin design.
   • Design: He invented the double-top mandolin, enhancing projection and sound clarity with an inclined soundboard.
   • Patent: Gelas filed several patents for his innovations in the 1920s.

3. The Gelas Mandolin:

   • Sound: Gelas’s design allowed for better resonance and a more powerful sound, making it popular among musicians.
   • Use: Used in various musical genres, from classical to folk music.

Biography of Jean-Baptiste Gelas

1. Youth and Training:

   • Birth: Jean-Baptiste Gelas was born in 1855 in France.
   • Training: Trained as a luthier, he developed a particular interest in plucked string instruments.

2. Career:

   • Innovations: In the 1920s, he introduced the double-top mandolin and continued to improve his designs throughout his career.
   • Patent and Recognition: Filed several patents for his innovations, and his instruments are recognized for their exceptional quality.

3. Legacy:

   • Impact: His legacy endures through his significant innovations in mandolin making. His instruments are sought after by collectors and musicians worldwide.

4. Death:

   • Jean-Baptiste Gelas passed away in 1938, leaving an indelible mark on the history of luthiery.

The Gelas mandolin, numbered and dated, is a remarkable example of Gelas's craftsmanship, combining technical innovation and elegant aesthetics.

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