Summary
Mandolin made by Italian migrant Giovanni Cera during the 1930s, with timber from an old bass violin. Giovanni used to visit second-hand furniture depots or music stores to seek out the timber for his instruments. He also built guitars and zithers. Giovanni played this instrument at many special broadcasts for radio stations 3LO and 3AR, and appeared with Peter Piccini, Frank Zaetta, Giovanni's brother Guerino [Rino], Angelo Candela, Domenico Caffaro and Ezio Giannaccini at musicals events staged in town halls, theatres and restaurants from 1945 to 1975.
Physical Description
Wooden case with metal clasps and lined with a dark brown fur on lid and a dark green fur on the bottom. Wooden Mandolin, made of various salvaged timbers, eccentric body shape with arm extending up the neck of the mandolin to the head, ending in a florentine scroll. Eight machine heads for four courses of strings; oval sound hole with tortoise shell inlay. Neck has 24 frets with six inlaid mother of pearl finger spots, head stock has mother of pearl inlay.
More Information
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Collection Names
Museums Victoria/Italian Historical Society Co.As.It Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr Mario Costa, 15 Aug 1994
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Maker
Mr Giovanni Cera, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 6 Jul 1946
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User
Mr Giovanni Cera, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1945-1975
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Inscriptions
Inlaid, mother-of-pearl on head: Cera Signed, grey lead pencil inside body: Giovanni Cera, Melbourne 6.7.1946.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
66.4 cm (Length), 2.4 cm (Width), 6.4 cm (Height)
Needs to be re-measured
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Exhibition Collection Management
664 mm (Length), 240 mm (Width), 64 mm (Height), 0.8 (Weight)
Case: L695mm, W261mm, D98mm. Mandolin in case weighs: 2.29kg
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Dimensions
690 mm (Length), 275 mm (Width), 98 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: Max. dimensions of wooden case.
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References
The following related photographs are held by the Italian Historical Society: P-01359; P-01370; P-01384; P-01385; P-01389; P-02074; P-06055; P-06169
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Keywords
Crafts, Italian Communities, Italian Immigration, Musicians, Stringed Instruments, Woodworking
