Allentown, Pennsylvania
Oswell J. Seip

Wood, ebony, metal string 
ca. 1940
Length: 23 in; Width: 8.25 in
Strings – Lutes – Violin Family

Label inside signed:  Made by / Oswell J. Seip / ALLENTOWN, PENNA / 1940   

Fiddles are violins, but over time and usage, some have been called folk fiddles with their slightly different shapes and playing styles.  This folk-style fiddle was made during early World War II.  Indicated by the signature inside, it was made by Oswell J. Seip of Allentown, Pennsylvania, a veteran of World War I.  Seip served in the United States Army from 1918 to 1919. 

Interesting features of this folk fiddle are the sound holes, cut in an unusual floral design.  The peghead is also quite interesting, with a tulip shaped scroll at the top.

Early traditional fiddling found its roots from the British Isles in the jigs and reels of the 18^th century.  From scattered references in early American history we find that Thomas Jefferson played the fiddle, while Andrew Jackson frequently had fiddlers play at the White House.  Even Davy Crockett in his autobiography mentioned how much he enjoyed fiddling.  By the early 20^th century folk fiddlers and fiddle tunes continued to be played for a wide variety of community activities, such as barn raisings, weddings, wakes and many other social functions.

For further information check out:  https://www.northstatefiddlers.com/about/about-the-csotfa/a-short-history-of-fiddling/