Neapolitan Mandola

[Petrus]

Unusual item. No brand mark.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/231334355185

[derbex]

Interesting, it's almost as though the top doesn't go with the bowl? Or someone has done some amateur redecoration?

[Jim Garber]

This Mandola was recently restored and has bone frets.

Proportionately, it doesn't look like a mandolin nor is it "Neopolition". Strange thing. My theory is that someone decided to make one from seeing a photo. That tailpiece is fairly new and it looks like the tuners were taken from an old mandolin -- they look like they are not designed for this headstock. The mustache bridge looks very strange as well as the decorations and perforations on the top. I still do not get the bone frets. That is insane for a steel strung instrument. Interesting, tho.

Actually, the string tensioner and the side holes/slits are reminiscent of DeMeglio-style instruments built in Napoli. The bowl and neck joint is very odd tho as well as the mustache bridge.