Petrus
Sep-17-2014, 2:02am
Unusual item. No brand mark.
123923
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231334355185
derbex
Sep-17-2014, 4:12am
Interesting, it's almost as though the top doesn't go with the bowl? Or someone has done some amateur redecoration?
Jim Garber
Sep-17-2014, 8:55am
This Mandola was recently restored and has bone frets.
Proportionately, it doesn't look like a mandolin nor is it "Neopolition". Strange thing. My theory is that someone decided to make one from seeing a photo. That tailpiece is fairly new and it looks like the tuners were taken from an old mandolin -- they look like they are not designed for this headstock. The mustache bridge looks very strange as well as the decorations and perforations on the top. I still do not get the bone frets. That is insane for a steel strung instrument. Interesting, tho.
Actually, the string tensioner and the side holes/slits are reminiscent of DeMeglio-style instruments built in Napoli. The bowl and neck joint is very odd tho as well as the mustache bridge.