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"Tracing lost property of soldiers," circa 1919. View full size. The soldiers seem to be a musical bunch. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection.
The end of WW1 marked the end of the mandolin boom, which had spawned mandolin orchestras and clubs since the 1890's. The "watermelon back" style of mando was of Italian origin and predominated in Europe - this one may be a souvenir; most American mandos were flat or arched on the back.
I have that same model mandolin. Handed down to my son and myself by my grandfather. He was a soldier too, but am unsure if he actually tried to bring his instrument with him. I can only imagine the mando and bugle accompaniment in the mess hall!
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