This is a Maurer-branded model 590 000-12 fret made by the Larson Brothers in Chicago in the 1930s. It features Brazilian rosewood back & sides, and has Style 42 top abalone purflings bordered by rope-style marquetry and an elaborate Tree-Of-Life inlayed fretboard and headstock. The top is constructed of tight grained spruce, bound in ivoroid with semi-herringbone purfling sitting astride a border of abalone shell. This theme is carried over in the rosette, and also around the fingerboard extension - even the side body edges are triple-bound! The X braces are the unique Larson Brothers laminated style made with a sandwich of spruce and rosewood for added strength, and is built with a noticeable arch in the top for stability. The fingerboard is ebony, and the ebony bridge features mother-of-pearl star inlays on each wing. The body depth is 2 ¾” at the heel and 3 3/8” at the butt, and the nut width is a stout 1 27/32". It has had a neck reset, several top and back cracks repaired, and been professionally setup. It shows some body overspray, but likely a long time ago, as the finish is sunk into the grain a bit, and shows wear in several places. It is all-original, as far as we know, only missing one screw on the tuner plate. This is an extraordinary instrument, plays easily, and sounds fantastic! It comes with a more modern, non-original hardshell case.
A link to an enlightening
Vintage Guitar Magazine article about the Larson Brothers:
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