A sweet sounding mandola designed by French musician Lucien Gelas, who patented a design for a double-top stringed instrument in 1904; label indicates this instrument was built by Jean Rovies, and also bears Gelas' signature. The teardrop shaped mandola body features two angled tops that meet below the bridge; both tops are individually braced and have soundholes; repaired cracks present on both tops; beautiful flamed maple back and sides with typical cosmetic wear; reproduction rosewood bridge present. The maple neck has a 17.5" scale length ebony fingerboard (board is later with newer frets, compensated for excellent playability) and slotted peghead with geared tuners. Included in sale is newer hard violin case