I know that during World War II, Regal (for sure) and Harmony (possibly) produced ukes with wooden frets and violin-style wooden pegs. Musical instruments were deemed necessary for the war effort (kept morale up), but metal was needed for guns & tanks & battleships. So they improvised.
Based on the headstock shape, I'm 99% certain this a Regal build.
The only thing that puzzles me...looks pretty blingy for a wartime ration uke. Looks like mahogany over birch, and that skunk-striped neck is something fancy!
It does have that Regal look to the head. But you're right about being blingy. Here's a picture next to a couple of Regals. I thought that a "Sailor" uke (on the right) was the vintage bling. The Regals have sort of a point on the top of the head that this one doesn't though.
You're right, most Regals have that little point - but a few don't.
Check out this WWII Regal "Victory" uke: http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com...e-ukes-for-dirt-cheap&highlight=regal+victory
I've seen quite a few of these Regal Victorys. Some have the point, some don't; some have wooden frets, some have brass; some have wooden pegs, some metal and plastic tuners. I think they were produced throughout the war, and at different times, different components had to be substituted.
R_D, thanks again! Nice Silvertone! I have one kind of like that, but probably newer and the head is more round and kind of beveled.
I just can't imagine Regal spending this much time on a uke without using spray paint and a stencil. But if it came from a factory, it probably came from them.
I saw an ad for it and it kinda reminded me of a Bruko no. 6. It's neck was off and the back and front were separated. But I could tell from the wear dots on the fretboard that someone had played it a good amount at some point, so I figured I'd give it a shot. The picture in the ad was pretty bad and I think the seller just thought it was a broken toy. Which it kinda was. So, I lucked out. It's keeps my dog company....
Hey Phil! Oh yeah, this is a great forum. I've learned so much from the people here.
When I originally posted this, I felt like Shazam going before the Elders for advice.
(I kinda imagine that I'm Shazam anyways, so it wasn't a real stretch!)