Saginaw, Michigan
The Barrows Music Company founded by John Franklin Barrows 

Woods, mother-of-pearl, metal
ca. 1898-1910
Height: 24.5 in, Width: 8 in, Depth: 5.5 in
Strings – Lutes – Mandolin

Label/Marking on metal plate between the ‘f-holes: ‘Waldo’

The craftsmanship of this instrument is truly impressive, as is the choice of materials. This mandolin has a spruce top with unique “f-holes,” 17 Brazilian rosewood ribs and skirting, a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, pearl inlays, an ebony bridge, a white-bound top with trim, a pick guard with the inlaid “Waldo” logo, and geared tuners with ivory buttons.

The Waldo Company, later known as the Waldo Mfg. Co. (1894-1914), was a subsidiary of The Barrows Music Company founded by John Franklin Barrows in Saginaw, Michigan.  They were one of the first mandolin manufacturers to design and patent the functional ‘f-holes,’ a departure from the traditional Neapolitan (bowl-back) design.  They were trying to mimic the sound and appearance of a violin.