Re: Identify this bowlback/tater bug?
From the pickguard and headstock shapes, I'm guessing an American Conservatory or other Lyon & Healy brand; Chicago-made, early 20th century. Fancy pickguard inlay, but plain dots on the fretboard, modest number of ribs in the bowl, not rosewood, which is what the fancier bowl-backs tended to be. Mid-price.
Must be well-constructed; most bowl-backs wouldn't pack enough of a wallop to knock someone out. I save my National Triolian for when I need to use a mandolin as a blackjack...
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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