Mandolin age and value ?

[bradgny]

Looking for info on mandolin bought at estate sale ,serial number 19282 .vega label inside ,in really fine condition .8 string bowlback.can't figure out how to post pics .no cracks or damage ,slight bow on front (very small).any help would be appreciated

[Ron McMillan]

Figure out how to put up a picture. Click the 'Go Advanced' box below right. Upload a photo. Click 'Done'.

[MikeEdgerton]

Vega Serial Numbers can be found here.

[bradgny]

Thank you for that link. It's a 1900 model.now to research it's value

[MikeEdgerton]

Because Vega is a known brand name you will get small premium for it. Bowlbacks other than Martin's and a few other brands don't bring huge amounts of money.

[MikeEdgerton]

Recent sales on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rare...p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Vega...p2047675.l2557

[Ron McMillan]

I'm glad you managed to get pictures up. I know nothing about bowlbacks, but that's a pretty one and in seemingly fine order. From the condition of the strings alone, it has probably not been laid up under a bed or in an attic for decades, either.

[Capt. E]

In general, the more ribs a bowl back has the better model. The very fine ones even have fluted ribs. This one is a fairly basic model and is probably worth somewhere around $300 if in excellent playing condition. Doesn't look like it has ever been played much over it's 115 year life.