So, I have a Merrill Mandolin

**merrill mandolin** · Mar-23-2017, 4:09pm

I have a Merrill Mandolin that was my great grandfathers. I think from about 1895 from info I got online. It has an aluminum bowl and a case. There are no strings on it but is in very good condition. I was wondering if anyone would know the value of it. I might want to sell it, so I want to be well informed first. Thanks for any help.[ATTACH=CONFIG]155207[ATTACH=CONFIG]155208

**nmiller** · Mar-23-2017, 4:17pm

Pictures would help. Merrill instruments ranged from plain aluminum to very ornately engraved. I don't believe any are worth a fortune; that's not because of any quality issue, but just because few people are familiar with them and because bowl-backs are not generally in high demand.

Also, if you can tell us where you're located, we may be able to suggest some stores that would be qualified to appraise it in person.

**merrill mandolin** · Mar-23-2017, 4:20pm

I'm in Southbury,Ct

**nmiller** · Mar-23-2017, 4:27pm

Uh oh - two CT residents with Merrills. Should they ever meet, they will cancel each other out in a huge explosion. I guess if it takes out Waterbury, there's no harm done.

You could try AcousticMusic.org in Guilford (despite the name, they have an actual store with regular hours); they're the folks most familiar with old acoustic instruments in the area. If you're planning on heading to NYC, you have a lot more options. I'd take it to RetroFret in Brooklyn, as they specialize in the weird and obscure side of vintage instruments so this would be right up their alley.

**merrill mandolin** · Mar-23-2017, 4:32pm

Thanks for your help. I'll try Guilford

**allenhopkins** · Mar-23-2017, 9:55pm

i paid around $250 for my Merrill, on eBay. It's a lot like yours, profusely engraved on the bowl. Yours has a nicer pickguard, and is more nicely bound, so might be worth a bit more, though its bridge is missing.

You're about right regarding the date. The Aluminum Musical Instrument Co. was only in business for a few years, since Mr. Merrill was a somewhat unscrupulous businessman, and his company was sued out of business, I believe.

i like my Merrill, use it fairly often for historical programs. The aluminum bowl's unusual enough to evoke quite a bit of interest. I have seen, in the distant past, an all-aluminum bowl-back mandolin, soundboard and neck included, but I don't know who made it. As I recall, it was painted purple, for decorative purposes I guess. I didn't get a chance to buy it, but would have, since it's apparently even rarer than a Merrill.