Vinaccia circa1903

[Kamel]

Hi..I am trying to trace the history & value of a mandolin which has been in the family closet for many years. It is in very good condition although 2 strings are broken. It is in its original red velvet lined carry case which has the handle missing & one catch loose. Inside the instrument is a label with a crest in the centre which bears the following inscription
First line is concave & reads
F.lli VINACCIA fu P.le & C.o
Second & other lines read
Fabricanti DI STRUMENTI ARMON ICI
Provveditori di S.M.LA REGINA MARGHERITA
Pruno Premio Chicago 1893 - Primo Premio 1898
NAPOLI-S. Chiara 32-33 NAPOLI
ANNO1903
F.Vinaccia signature appears across the bottom of the label with two others either side. The signature on the left looks like Toratelli & the other looks like Bracesa
Thank you for any information which may be forthcoming

[Martin Jonas]

Hi Kamel,

Welcome to the Cafe. What you have there is a bowlback made by one of the "Big Three" Italian names in mandolin making: Calace, Embergher and Vinaccia. They are highly collectible, especially in Europe and in Japan, and much more valuable than any other bowlbacks, although still relatively cheap compared with some Gibson-style mandolins. Depending on the condition and on whether it's a basic model or a more elaborate one, recent Ebay sales have been anywhere from US$2000 to US$5000.

It would be great if you could post a photo, so that we can say more about condition and whether it's a fancy model or not.

Martin

[Kamel]

It doesn't appear to be very fancy compared to some photos I've seen although the autographed label in the bowel seems to be a feature. I'll post some photos as soon as I figure out how to do so

[Jim Garber]

I have simple one with the Fratelli Vinaccia (Vinaccia Brothers) label. Here is my label.

The signature says BION: Fratelli and Vinaccia.

Mine has a maple bowl.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

Until you get your pics up you can compare to mine. It has been restored to playability since these pics.

Actually I would love to see some detailed pics of your bridge since mine is not original, I believe.

There are alsoquite a few pics of Vinaccias in the post a picture of your bowlback thread.

Jim

[Kamel]

Thank you. The instrument I have could almost be a twin to yours Jim. I have photos but have absolutely no idea how to attach & post them for you

[Jim Garber]

Try this link or if that does not work, pm me and I can post them here.

Jim

[Bob A]

Seems to me that Vinaccia is at least five of the Big Three. There.s the Brothers, there's Gaetano, there's Guiseppe, and doubtless a few others that don't come to mind.

While some of them bring big bucks, some have been had for 500-1000. It depends on a lot of variables, and not all of them are mandolin-related; who's in the market and how hungry they are makes a difference on the ebay front.

I (and doubtless the rest of the group) eagerly await some photos.

[Kamel]

Jim has steered me in the right direction. Thanks. I hope they turn out OK. If any one wants more pics or info, not a problem

[Jim Garber]

Sorry, Kamel:

It did not work. Maybe try it again.

Use the browse button below the window and find your file on your hard drive. When you hit "add Reply" it should upload the photo.

If your image is already online you can use that "image" button and paste the URL for the image there.

Jim

[Kamel]

Hi Guys. Thanks for all your input, but the ability to post a photo on this site is beyond me. I thank you for your patience and helpful advice and have tried all suggestions without success. Jim has asked me to PM but I don't know what that means. I can only assume it is a Personal Message, but that is my assumption and I do not know how.
Regards from Ted (the Kamel)

[Kamel]

Sorry guys, I forgot. Compared to Jim's photo on the left, posted on 22 August, mine has a third signature across the bottom of the label which appears to resemble the first printed convex line of writing. The bat-wing shape area below the oval sound hole is plain black. The bridge is of a black material and has an 'eye' either side, attached to the body not the bridge, which is of a black material with what appears to be 'mother-of-pearl'set into it. Counting from the top, Jim's photo shows 2 frets then a finger mark, 2 frets then a finger mark etc. This one has 4 frets, finger mark, 2 frets, finger mark, 3 frets, finger mark, 2 frets, finger mark, 7 frets. The edge of the sound hole is decorated with 3 lines, the centre being thicker than the others. The outer edge of the instrument is decorated with 3 lines, the innermost being thicker than the others. This instrument is on offer to anyone who may be interested. Thanks again..Ted