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Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
Alright, I know someone who has an old mandolin that was his grandfathers, and it has a story. One night, his grandfather was playing the mandolin in a bar, and a fight broke out. Someone got on the stage and threatened him/swung at him, so he took the mandolin and hit the guy in the head and knocked him out. Anyway, it's unplayable right now. The fret board is worn out, there are no strings, there are some chips and cracks, and some damage where the guy's head hit the mandolin. There is no maker's name anywhere, but I don't think this is handmade, although I'm no expert on vintage mandolins. Can anyone identify this mandolin? Bottom left pic is where he hit the guy.
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
Great story. Hard to say who the maker is since there's so many similar taters around that look just like yours.
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
Don't let your story get out or nobody will be allowed to take a mandolin on an airline! :)
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
From the pickguard and headstock shapes, I'm guessing an American Conservatory or other Lyon & Healy brand; Chicago-made, early 20th century. Fancy pickguard inlay, but plain dots on the fretboard, modest number of ribs in the bowl, not rosewood, which is what the fancier bowl-backs tended to be. Mid-price.
Must be well-constructed; most bowl-backs wouldn't pack enough of a wallop to knock someone out. I save my National Triolian for when I need to use a mandolin as a blackjack...
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
Could that be the famous, long thought lost forever, Sonny Liston Signature model?
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
If violence is going to be involved, you're a lot better off playing the gong. Or the alphorn.
Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
Thanks for the info you guys, and for the laughs. I told my friend what he most likely had, and he thanks everyone for that. He's gonna continue to hang it on his wall as a sentimental piece.