Dobro mandolin

**allenhopkins** · Mar-24-2008, 5:11pm

Lee -- #the "9000" series of Dobro serial numbers (and this pertains directly to guitars) apparently are from 1937. #From the general appearance of your instrument, that would be a pretty good guess. #My Dobro mandolin might be from around that time or later; it has no serial number, which apparently happened fairly regularly on the Regal-built instruments, but the "National Dobro Corp." on the coverplate means 1935 or later, when the Dopyeras took National back and merged it with Dobro.

The serial number guide is no help when it comes to the "K" prefix. #If the serial number is "9120," #then I don't know what the "90" following it stands for. #The "M" suffix apparently means "mandolin," which makes sense but doesn't help in arriving at a date.

The letter-number sequence most closely resembles the later OMI numbers, which led me, erroneously, to think it might be as late as the 1980's. #But no way it could be, based on its appearance. #"Pre-war" (by which I mean WWII) may be as close as we can get to dating it, until someone with more knowledge jumps in.

**mdithk** · Mar-25-2008, 9:43am

Hi Bob,

Well, it was an anniversary gift, but I think that it was in the range of $1,500-$1,600. #

The really interesting thing is that it's a 1975 and that's the year we were married. #Just coincidence but makes it even more meaningful. #Kismet.

**raulb** · Jul-21-2012, 9:59pm

Reviving an ancient thread.

Today I have become the new owner of Dobro mandolin s/n 9615. According to the chart in another old thread, it was made c. 1936-7. Considering it is that old, it is in remarkable shape with only a few minor dings and some of the nickel plating worn off the tail piece. I have seen several of these and almost to a one, they all look like they've been played hard and put away roughly. This one looks like it has been well cared for.

It has "F" holes and 6 groupings of 12 round and one not quite half circle holes around the cover plate. The Dobro decal is on the peghead face and the serial # on the end of the peghead.

I will have to change the strings since it has been hanging on the Fret House wall for a number of years, but so far I am happy with it. It is a month early 60th birthday present to myself

I will post photos as soon as I can download them from my phone.