Morel Mangenot from the 1920s

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by JeanClaude

Dear All,

I am looking for additional information on a bass signed in violet ink A. Morel Mangenot from the late 20s. The head has an open back which is quite unusual and the machine heads are in bakelite.

Thanks in advance,

Jean-Claude

Sorry, I can't find a listing for that maker. There was a Paul Mangenot and had some sons but not with that name. Pics of the bass?

[JeanClaude]

The information I have gathered so far is that the maker is Paul Andre Morel-Mangenot born in 1894 in Madecourt (France). He made basses he signed with the special blue pencil "Morel-Mangenot" from 1920, when he married Suzanne Mangenot, daughter of Paul Mangenot. His son is Rene Morel, who moved to the USA where he became a famous violin maker.[/i]". But due to the head opened back and bakelite machine heads, the bass could also be identified as a Rene Cune.

[JeanClaude]

Andre Morel short biography http://www.amati.com/maker/morel-andre/

[Ken Smith]

Many French makers used the same scrolls as there was a carvers guild that made them. The makers we not allowed to make the heads as there were guilds in place for carving and finishing. I have seen that Scroll and gears like that on many different brands of basses. They would usually buy the scroll/neck and put it in the instrument. Mass production in France from the late 1800s thru the early 20th century. This is what I have learned.

Andre Morel is listed in the books. Possibly like other makers, they would add their wife's name to the business. Maybe for Taxes. Jacquet-Pilliment and Jacquet-Gand for instance.

I just sold a bass by Paul Manegot, attributed to him based on another exact bass that was labeled. Similar model but the head was closed. http://www.kensmithbasses.com/double...not/index.html

[JeanClaude]

Many thanks. Similar to the Paul Mangenot. It makes sense. I thought about the possibility of the necks being made by other but discarded it. So it is definitely a Morel-Mangenot from the 20s. Really helpful.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by JeanClaude

Many thanks. Similar to the Paul Mangenot. It makes sense. I thought about the possibility of the necks being made by other but discarded it. So it is definitely a Morel-Mangenot from the 20s. Really helpful.

It's a nice looking bass as well. Take good care of it.