Taterbug info - american conservatory

[weleetkaoutlaws]

Would anyone have any information concerning a 1906 American Conservatory mandolin? The only marking on the mandolin is the sticker inside the bowl which reads "American Conservatory". The initials on the sticker are LH, which I believe stand for Lyon & Healy.

This was my grandfathers mandolin. He passed it on to me upon his death in 1986. Any info or guidance as to where to look for info is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[JEStanek]

I'm certainly no expert but, thanks to board contributers like Jim Garber, et.al., I've learned about mugwumps.com (http://www.mugwumps.com/AmerInstMkr.html) that has listings of manufacturers. Then search for more on google or wait for more knowledgabe folks than me to chime in. Check this thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=27;t=39938;hl=american+cons ervatory) from the vintage section or search this site for American Conservatory. They come up pretty often and lots has been shared.

Jamie

[Eugene]

American Conservatory was Lyon & Healy's mid-grade line of instruments (their best bowlbacks were under the Washburn label). The American Conservatory line was still made of quality materials and nicely decorated, but not quite of the same caliber as Washburn: e.g., on American Conservatory, black wood is often ebonized mystery wood and models with a huge number of ribs often had few ribs with faux spacers inlaid.

jgarber has a great collection of old catalogues. If you post a photo, he may be able to give you an exact model.

[Jim Garber]

My first mandolin was an American Conservatory. I traded it for a Vega cylinder which ended up being traded for a white-faced Gibson A3. I have always had soft spots for all of those esp since they were the first three.

As Eugene says, post a pic and maybe we can figure out exactly what model you have.

These AmCons were pretty common and many are still out there, so don't expect any high estimate of value. Then again, they are nice instruments and if it is playable, all the better.

Jim

[weleetkaoutlaws]

Thanks for the replies guys. I knew from the outset it was nearly "worthless" from a monetary standpoint, however it is "priceless" from a sentimental standpoint. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim Garber]

Not worthless... remember you are talking at least one of us who has a closetful of similar bowlbacks.

Jim