What kind is it?

[Chamrleon]

My dad gave me a bowl back mandolin several years ago. The only manufacturer identifier I can find on it anywhere, is the word, " 'Dreima", which is stamped into the silver-colored metal of the string holder. There are no markings inside the bowl.

The mandolin appears to be made mostly of maple (I'm guessing), with 26 ribs comprising the bowl--the 2 ribs closest to the face are about 3 in. wide, with an overlaid rib of a darker wood that provides the rim of the bowl (but does not overlap the face--or surface that lies under the strings). The joints of the ribs are black. The pick guard is black, without decoration. The head (to which the keys are attached) has 2 hollow channels for the strings. The brass-colored tuning keys are attached on the side of the head, with ivory-colored circular tips--the tuning keys and tips are behind the head.

Does anyone know which manufacturer made this mandolin and when? It seems to be in good shape, although the solid rosewood bridge seems to be too high--the strings are about 1/4 in. above the fingerboard at the 12th fret.

Thanks,
Chamrleon

p.s. I will try to post pictures of this mandolin--if needed.

[Jim Garber]

Might be a little better to post a photo but I can say with some probability that it was made in Germany, with a quick search showing Markneukirchen, a very prominent instrument-making area.

Here is a picture of a Dreima mandolin that was sold on eBay. I am not sure of the year, tho, or even if it is a bowlback.

[Chamrleon]

Thanks, Jim. My mandolin has the same shape, but the pick guard is plain and extends from the hole--to the right side(looking at this picture), not underneath the sound hole. Also, the edges are outlined with a solid white line.

As you say, it would probably be better to post a photo, which I will do as soon as I can get my camera to talk with my computer.

Thanks again,
Kent (Chamrleon)

[8ch(pl)]

"Dreima" is probably the Mark of the company that made the tailpiece, rather than the Mandolin's name.

[Chamrleon]

It could be, "8ch(pl), but that is the only identifying mark I have found on the mandolin.