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View Full Version : Edwin Pyle "The Evaline" Mandolin 1898



dsusanhall
Feb-05-2014, 4:21pm
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I'm trying to help a relative learn more about a Mandolin she inherited. It was made by Edwin Pyle in 1898 in Elam, PA. His interior label identifies it as The Evaline. The only info I've been able to find is his Patent. I've searched and found no others of its kind. It does have a crack on the back, but the owner is wondering if it has any value, and if there are others in existence. Any additional info/advice would be much appreciated - thank you!

Patent info is at:
http://www.google.com/patents/US550529

Marty Jacobson
Feb-07-2014, 11:59pm
Wow, this is very interesting. It appears to parallel Orville Gibson's work of about the same period - arched top and back, according to the patent drawings. Simultaneous invention often happens, in many fields. The patent is dated 1895, so the design existed prior to that, in all likelihood.

Gibson mandolin, patented 1898 -- https://www.google.com/patents/US598245

Can you post more pictures, please? Sides, back, neck, etc.

In a parallel universe, maybe Mr. Pyle spent more time on his mandolins instead of on the Eveline for whom I presume this is named... and there are people playing Pyle-style instruments instead of Gibson-style instruments. Or maybe I shouldn't read so much science fiction.

Jim Garber
Feb-08-2014, 4:04pm
Yes, please post more pics. I am not so sure about the parallel tho, Marty. Gibson's patent specifically mentions carved woods but I see no mention of that in Pyle's. He mostly talks about the heart-shape, the bracing and the neck attachment. It is interesting, nonetheless.

dsusanhall
Feb-13-2014, 1:19pm
Thank you for your insight! Posting more photos shortly.

dsusanhall
Feb-13-2014, 4:07pm
More photos of Evaline:
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dsusanhall
Feb-13-2014, 4:09pm
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Marty Jacobson
Feb-13-2014, 4:50pm
Definitely as arched top and back, as shown in the patent. Hard to tell from some of the pics, but the contoured bridge base definitely indicates the top was originally arched considerably.

You're right, though, Jim. They were probably a consistent thickness and not carved, but induced or steam-bent.
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