Lyon & Healy Shrine Ukulele

When you think of ukuleles made on the American mainland during the “uke crazed” 1920s, brands such as Martin and Gibson are likely the first to come to mind. But another company also produced excellent ukuleles during this period: Lyon & Healy.

 

Founded in 1864, Chicago-based Lyon & Healy Company produced its first ukuleles in 1915 before expanding its line in the 1920s to more than a dozen models, most labeled with the “Washburn” brand name—the middle name of founder Charles W. Lyon.

 

The line included soprano, concert and tenor-sized ukuleles ranging from inexpensive, unadorned ukes made from plain woods to fancy models crafted from figured mahogany or Koa and adorned with body bindings, inlays, and decorative decals.

 

Most of Lyon & Healy’s ukuleles had typical Hawaiian-style bodies, but the company also made a few interesting exceptions. The frying-pan-shaped “Camp Uke” with round body that was copied by many other makers, and the even more unique and collectible: the Bell and Shrine models.