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An extremely rare 1890 Jose do Espirito Santo soprano ukulele. The instrument was handcrafted by Jose do Espirito Santo, one of three Portuguese cabinet makers – Jose do Espirito Santo, Augusto Dias, and Manuel Nunes – who first came to Hawaii from the island of Madeira, Portugal in the late 1800s to work in the plantation fields. Once their contract ended, all three moved to Oahu and were credited with the development of the ukulele. The face, back, sides, and neck of the instrument was handcrafted of Hawaiian koa wood. The instrument is quite light and

Circa 1884-1886. Augusto Dias ukulele. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood back and sides with a spruce top. Hawaiian Koa wood neck and fretboard. Ebony wood bridge. Beautiful rope marquetry inlaid on sound board, rosette, fretboard center inlay, and headstock. Matching rope marquetry bound fretboard and back center seam. Handcrafted coffin case. One of the earliest examples of a handcrafted ukulele from Hawaii. ID#190029 Not for sale.

Circa 1884-1886. Augusto Dias ukulele. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood back and sides with a spruce top. Hawaiian Koa wood fretboard with Ebony wood bridge. Beautiful flower inlay at the butt of the instrument. This inlay is consistent with the placement and patterns often found on the machete de braga, one of two parent instruments of the ukulele found on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Slightly smaller than all other examples of a soprano ukulele of this time period. Gorgeous handcrafted coffin case. ID#190028 Not for sale.

Circa 1907. Augusto Dias Guitar – only 1 known in existence. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood fact, back and sides. Hawaiian Koa wood neck and fretboard. Hawaiian Koa wood bridge. Beautiful abalone shell inlaid on sound board, rosette, fretboard, headstock, and more. More details to come. #230084 Not for sale.