Wall hanger?

[trevor]

I know nothing about this type of mandolin. A friend has owned it for 40 years. Can anyone help. Wall hanger or worth fixing up?

[billkilpatrick]

trevor - i think there's a similar looking flatback for sale in a store in siena - i'll check it out next time i'm there.

[Ray(T)]

The rosette, purfling and binding are identical to the "Silvestri" bowl back that hangs in my hallway but the similarity ends there. (It cost me £8-10s in 1970!) In my mind, if it plays, its a player but, in many instances, I suspect that wall hangers, to the furnishing crowd, can be worth just as much as fixed up players.
Ray

[Jim Garber]

I think by the looks of it, it is a decent mandolin. Wallhanger status depends on what playing condition it is in and if you have room on your wall. :)

I have a few other Perettis in my files, one flatback and the rest bowlbacks. I have attached a pic of a bowlback with very similar ornamentation.

Of course, you realize that, more than likely, that bridge on your friend's mandolin is in the wrong position. Wallhanger status might be if the neck needs a reset which it usually why people put the bridge down there.

[trevor]

Jim,

Thanks, I hadn't even checked the bridge position, just took the photos for him and posted. It does need a neck re-set. He was just curious if its might be worth giving it some attention. Sounds like it might, I will look into it for him if he wants.

He runs a music cafe/restaurant with his partner Jane, two doors up the street from my house.
http://www.bom-banes.co.uk/

[Ray(T)]

And a very good restaurant it is too - also handy for a very good mandolin shop!
Ray

[Hans]

Trevor, I really like those odd mandolins, and while I wouldn't stick a pile of pounds into it, a little fixing would be definitely worth the time if it sounds better'n a sled.