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Considered one of the parent instruments, “the mother”, of the modern day ukulele, the ukulele is believed to have received its current tuning of G-C-E-A from the Madeiran Rajao, which is tuned D-G-C-E-A. To my knowledge there are only a few examples of these early historical instruments in existence that have been made in Hawaii. This extremely rare 1890 Historical 5-String Jose do Espirito Santo Rajao is a world class collectible over 100 years in age. The instrument originated on the island of Madeira, Portugal and was handcrafted in Hawaii by Jose do

An extremely rare 1895 Jose do Espirito Santo ukulele is a world class collectible over 100 years in age. The instrument was handcrafted by 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 invention of the ukulele. A very serious collectible piece which many museums have never seen. The back, sides, and neck of the instrument was e

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.