My New German

[Ken Smith]

The label is written in English so it was an import and labeled either here or there. I think the wording will help ID it by when 'which' laws were in effect for importing from Germany. After WWI I am sure and possibly just before WWII or between the Wars.

It is a Wilfer/Juzek style Bass but the Juzek's put their own label in them before selling so it was not imported by them. Perhaps if it was Wilfer or one of the other similar shops it was sold to one of the other importers here in USA.

I doesn't look that old as far as wear goes but the Tuners do as well as that 1940 repair label. Perhaps that shop/repairer bought the Bass and re-voiced? (graduated) it shortly after arriving so it is very possible it is from the late 1930s just before WWII. Just a guess. Coulter was a Violin Maker working in Portland from 1900-1924 according to the Wenberg Book on American makers. That label, if real shows that he was still working in 1940.

The narrower outer linings/moldings are common with pre WWII Basses. The Back I assume is Flat as you show a center bar with the label.