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Thread: Requesting help IDing this mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Requesting help IDing this mandolin

    Hi all,

    I picked up this mandolin at an estate sale. There's no maker sticker inside or anywhere. Stamped on the back of the head is a B. On top of the head is N. That's all I know. Thanks!

    Tim
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  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Requesting help IDing this mandolin

    Probably made in Chicago and the bridge looks like it os on backwards. The bone part should be on the same side as the sound hole. Assuming it is in good structural shape, string it with ultralight gauge strings (GHS A-240 to start) and enjoy. Don't worry, you don't have anything too valuable. it could be a decent rosewood bowl back.
    Jim

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Requesting help IDing this mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Probably made in Chicago and the bridge looks like it os on backwards. The bone part should be on the same side as the sound hole. Assuming it is in good structural shape, string it with ultralight gauge strings (GHS A-240 to start) and enjoy. Don't worry, you don't have anything too valuable. it could be a decent rosewood bowl back.
    Jim, thanks for the response. Do you have any idea of who made it and when? I do want to do my research and find at least an estimate of its value.

    Still, I love having it. I played a mandolin in a rock band back in 1966! Had a pickup and everything. People thought it was weird. And it was!

    Thanks,
    Tim

  4. #4
    Registered User houseworker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Requesting help IDing this mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Heirhead View Post
    I do want to do my research and find at least an estimate of its value.
    Ten day auction on eBay starting at $0.99 and no reserve will give you a definitive value.

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  6. #5
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Requesting help IDing this mandolin

    Saw images of a similar mandolin, same shaped headstock, butterfly-inlay scratchplate, labeled "Midland," which was a brand sold by the Wurlitzer music stores.

    Market value on these US-made, century-or-so-old bowl-backs, seems to run $100-300 if they're in good playing shape. Lack of a manufacturer's label can be a detriment to sales appeal.

    Wurlitzer didn't make instruments themselves, commissioned them from a variety of US manufacturers. Lots of mandolins were not labeled, sold in local stores or through catalogs. This may well be one of them; I'd guess if Wurlitzer had sold it, it would be labeled with one of their brands.
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