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This was a purchase from eBay with very little information as it came with the Harmony Classmate and that was the main item. After some research I have found that it dates from the 1920's and was possibly originally branded as a Blue Comet? I say probably here because although it looks identical to the Blue Comet (a Perlberg & Halpin Brand Name), pictured. I have seen very similar Ukuleles sold by PMICo, Schoenhut and there is one with some dancer decals on. In the Ukulele Hall of Fame is one listed as a Taylor Roundbody, (but I have not found any references to this maker anywhere else). My best guess for the actual maker is one of the German factories, (and given the Headstock shape I would say Wunderlict), so it may have come straight from there to the UK rather than via New York?
Since writing this paragraph I have seen that C. Bruno and Sons were also selling them. Bruno also branded them as "Scout" Ukes, so given I don't know the exact history of this Ukulele and I've never liked calling it a "roundbody" or a "banjo" I am going to start calling it a Scout until I can find a more definitive name
This Ukulele has a scale length of 29cm, (11 2/3 inches), so it is a genuine Mini Scale. The tuning pegs may have been replaced, but I think the bridge is original, and I know the tailpiece is. The neck is straight and the frets are not sharp and in good order so the thing is perfectly playable, if a little small. There is a large crack on the front that has been repaired fairly solidly and does not detract too much from the overall look and feel.
I've given up on calling it a Scout because I have seen a number of other round bodied Ukuleles of the period that have been called "Scout" by the retailer. They were clearly different to this model and I believe Scout became a kind of generic term for a round bodied Ukulele at the time because Lyon & Healy patented "Camp" and made it their trademark.
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