Mandolinetto

[John Uhrig]

Here are a few pics of my new mandolinetto. Purchased off of e-bay with a trashed top. I had a local luthier replace the top,pickguard and bridge. Turned out great. Strung it up with GHS ultra lights, and I can't believe how loud it is.

[John Uhrig]

And another

[John Uhrig]

next

[Eugene]

American Conservatory?

[John Uhrig]

Nope On the neck block it says Clifford American. From what I can find out it was made between 1895 to 1920.

[Eugene]

I've not heard of "Clifford American." #Holmes lists "Clifford" standing alone as a brand name Jenkins in MO. #Looking at the original scratchplate profile, it is similar, but not quite like what I would expect of Lyon & Healy's American Conservatory brand. #Interesting.

[John Uhrig]

I e-mailed with Mr. Holmes at mugwumps. He is the one that gave me the information on this

[Bob DeVellis]

1895 seems a bit too early. Several sources, including their catalog, indicate that Howe-Orme had the first guitar-shaped mandolin and they didn't appear until about 1897.

[Bill Snyder]

Could you post a larger photo?

[John Uhrig]

Trying to reformat my images so they will be larger.

[John Uhrig]

And also.... The Jenkins Co. made instruments under the Clifford name around 1895. Don't have any data as to when the actually made these. I have read about the Howe company. My best guess, Jenkins copied the design. Hmmmm, I believe a few other companies did this to the Gibson line.

[Eugene]

...And Gibson didn't mind copying the concepts of others either.

[John Uhrig]

Well here are all the pictures. SOme from e-bay and the rest after it was finished.
My Mandos (http://photobucket.com/albums/b320/mandonucs/)