Built by Wilhelm Herwig, Mark Neukirchen (Vogtland), some time before WWII (I think). Instead of single courses of strings as the traditional Russian Balalaika this one has double courses, to fit in nicely with playing techniques used in Plucked String Instrumental Orchestras, popular in early 20th century Germany, aka "Mandolinen-Orchester" or "Zupforchester".

She came in with decapited pegbox, got good repair, new coat of shellac and new machine heads.

For a larger image please click on the small one here.

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