I have an antique Gibson mandolin, which was a pre-wedding gift from my maternal grandfather to my maternal grandmother. They married in 1913, so that dates the mandolin as at least 97 years old.
It has an all-black tear-drop shaped body. On the inside under the sound hole are these words:
"Patented Feb. 1 '98
March , '06
Gibson mandolin Style Q-4
Number 11972 is hereby
GUARANTEED
against faulty sworksmanship or material. Should
this instrument, with proper care and usage, go wrong, e agree to repair it free of charge at our factory or to replace it with another of the same style or value.
GIBSON MANDOLIN-GUITAR CO.
(manufacturers)
Kalamazoo, Mich. U. S. A."[/CENTER]
I have some questions about this mandolin, after seeing a newer (by at least 11 years) mandolin assessed at at least $100,000 on Antiques Road Show tonight:
1) My mother made the mistake of storing the mandolin in its original case in her attic. Now, the case smells of mildew. Is the mandolin, with a damaged case more valuable than a new replacement case, if one is available?
2) How can I find the vintage of this mandolin?
3) Can something be used to either mask or erase the smell?
4) Is the value of this mandolin lessened by the damaged case? I have kept the mandolin out of the case to minimize the likelihood that it would absorb more of the case's odor.
5) How much would I expect to pay for an appraisal, and would a local music shop be an appropriate place to get an appraisal?
6) As a guitarist, I have little experience playing mandolins, or caring for them. Can anyone suggest how to clean the mandolin or the case, and what cleaners can and what cleaners must not be used?
7) Would having the case relined destroy its value, or has the mildew done that permanently?
Thank is advance for any advice.
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