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View Full Version : Estate Sale Find -- Any info on this mandolin much appreciated


LeoGotti
Aug-01-2010, 10:16am
Hi, Everyone --

There are no markings on this instrument whatever. Would anyone care to speculate as to its provenance and possible value? The bowl looks like rosewood, the top like spruce. Perhaps the design on the pickguard and the non-slothead style of the mandolin will help focus the identification.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m237/dadeedo/unknown%20mandolin/DCP_0087.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m237/dadeedo/unknown%20mandolin/DCP_0088.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m237/dadeedo/unknown%20mandolin/DCP_0085.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m237/dadeedo/unknown%20mandolin/DCP_0083.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m237/dadeedo/unknown%20mandolin/DCP_0084.jpg



Anyway, thanks for the help.

Best,

Leo
MikeEdgerton
Aug-01-2010, 10:37am
Most likely built by Lyon & Healy in Chicago around 1900, they are on eBay regularly and don't bring a whole lot of money.
Jim Garber
Aug-01-2010, 3:37pm
Mike is prob right, tho the pg shape resembles mandolins made by Samuel Osborn company
devilsbox
Aug-02-2010, 8:27am
I have a Stella mando banjo with a similar peghead. Don't know if they made bowlbacks.
MikeEdgerton
Aug-02-2010, 9:07am
To be honest, barring a brand name other than Martin (and this isn't a Martin), the value isn't huge either way. It's a mid-level mandolin from the time it was built that looks to be in OK shape. It's not a presentation grade instrument or anything like that. Tune it up and play it.
Lee
Aug-02-2010, 10:51am
...with light gauge strings !
8ch(pl)
Aug-02-2010, 12:58pm
Look at the guages on Tenor banjo strings. That is about what you need for a Bowlback, .009in to about .030. Any heavier will damage the instrument. Two sets of tenor banjo strings will do in a pinch.
Jim Garber
Aug-02-2010, 1:29pm
These GHS A240 (http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-a240.html) strings are made for bolwbacks. I think one set will be cheaper than two for tenor banjo.
8ch(pl)
Aug-03-2010, 4:32am
That is probably true, but availability is the issue. What is for sale in the local area?
Jim Garber
Aug-03-2010, 7:25am
Juststrings will get them to you within a few days. Unless you are in a rush, of course. But, as you say, in a pinch, tenor strings will do.