Wow! would you even play this?

[Chaser]

This has to be THE best in the mandolin family I've ever seen!!

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/400-YEAR-OLD-MANDOLIN-LUTE-B4-VINACCIA-EMBERGHER-CALACE_W0QQitemZ120045891626QQihZ002QQcat
egoryZ10179QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/400-YEA....iewItem</a>

Anyone ever play one of these?

[Smyers]

No. I'd be afraid to even pull it up to pitch! Let alone get my hand oils and sweat all over it. That it showcase stuff only.

[Jim Hilburn]

Hasn't this one been around the block a time or 2 before?

[stevem]

Yeah, this goes up for sale every couple months at roughly the same price.

[mythicfish]

Would I play it ... not in public.
Looks like a Palm Beach sport jacket with strings.

Curt

[glauber]

I think the general opinion, more or less, is that it is a cheap copy maybe 100 years old. They went crazy on the inlay but the carving is not first rate.

Maybe an early Antonio Tsai. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Paul Hostetter]

We are certainly in a post-literate world, but this clown takes the cake.


B4 the great mandolin makers of Italy of the 18th and 19th century. There was a European maker who built this masterfull looking instrument !
Isn't that a great start?!


Feast your eye's on one of the most amazing and oldest instruments you'll ever see on ebay.
Love that apostrophe in eyes.


This 6 course mandoline or mandolute was made at the very least 300 years ago. Circa 1560-1700 !
A math wizard, even if he can’t spell or punctuate.


I could find no evidence of a makers label thru the tiny cut sound holes. It likely deteriorated over the centuries.
Hate that.


Originally there were a few remaining primitive boxwood tuners which I replaced with antiqued carved ebony & ivory tuners to compliment the beauty of this one of a kind instrument.
So he's a loot'yay. And keenly aware of originality in museum-grade instruments.


The only reason I've decided to sell is my oldest son is currently in college. Enough said.
More than enough, though alas, he can't stop:


This is a once in a lifetime purchase ! I haven't pursued museums but I'm sure many would have serious interest. Serious inquiries only.

Yeah right. Logic in action. This one's a perennial source of laughs. Isn't the kid out of college by now?

http://i10.ebayimg.com/02/i/08/c9/ca/a2_12.JPG

Does this just bring tears to your eyes?

[F5G WIZ]

Yeah, this is at least the 4th time I have seen this mando for sale on Ebay.

[kww]

Do you think it is sincerely bought by each buyer, quickly determined to be too ugly to even be a wall hanger, and they just try to see if they can find a sucker of approximately the same size they were? Or are there actually multiple copies of this hideous thing?

[glauber]

Every time i see this, i wonder if it isn't time for him to finally start pursuing museums. Heck, he's tried the informal market often enough. It is a little disappointing, though; i always thought you could sell anything on eBay if you priced it high enough.

[Unseen122]

Where is the vomit emoticon?

[Chaser]

Hummm... Seems I'm sitting here a bit red-faced.

So it's a scam, is it? Here I thought it was something really special, and turns out it's just eye candy. Reminds me of my Ex-Wife.

Well then, forgive me for taking up all the 1's and 0's that this thread consumed.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.......

[kww]

If that thing reminds you of your ex-wife, I would have hated to be you when you woke up the next morning.

[Paul Hostetter]

http://www.lutherie.net/womit.gif

[jim simpson]

Mmmm, clown barf picks.

[F5G WIZ]

I,ve never seen it sell, I think it's the same guy and he drops his price a little every time. Think it was going for 16,000 one time.

[Chaser]

If that thing reminds you of your ex-wife, I would have hated to be you when you woke up the next morning.
I *did* say Ex-Wife.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jk245]

GEE, with some little bottles of airplane model paint using a small brush I can "restore" my $49.99 Rogue RM-100A using "original" designs from the Dover public domain art books. It still has the "Made in CHINA" label inside and the original plastic tuner pegs that look like genuine pearl.

I can sell it (cheap)on EBay for only $11,999 with free shipping

[AW Meyer]

I stopped pursuing museums years ago. The big lumbering things are just too danged easy to catch. Not much sport in it.

[Jim Garber]

I know the seller. He is ever-present at a local flea market in CT. Not an evil sort but a full time antique/junk picker who specializes in musical instruments. he is the seller mutliple times this has appeared. He figures, I guess, that some day some sucker will buy this monstrosity which I believe is a composite of a few semi old things but no real instrument that ever really existed.

Jim

[Mikey G]

I'd beat like a mule, as Mr. Monroe would say.

[stevem]

Hummm... Seems I'm sitting here a bit red-faced.

So it's a scam, is it? Here I thought it was something really special, and turns out it's just eye candy. Reminds me of my Ex-Wife.

Well then, forgive me for taking up all the 1's and 0's that this thread consumed.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.......
No worries about posting it. It gets more fun making jokes about it each time it's listed...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[F5G WIZ]

I don't know what your definition of eye candy is but mine is obviously something else.

[Keith Miller]

[QUOTE] don't know what your definition of eye candy is but mine is obviously something else
Maybe a soor plumb http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Chaser]

I don't know what your definition of eye candy is but mine is obviously something else.
At some point in the future I can only aspire to be as refined and discriminating as you..... None the less, thank you for sharing.

[mangorockfish]

For that price, I'd want that broken headstock put back straight. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JeffD]

Know what? I was taken in. My shields were down, what can I say.

I guess there is a part of us (or me) that just wants to believe. I saw the picks on chaser's link and thought, man that has to be something. (I wasn't tempted to bid mind you, but just to believe that it was something great.)

It appears that there are no frets, but I thought well perhaps its a fretless mandolute, you know, like a fretless banjo.

Anyway, I'll be sure not to sign anything for the next few months, just in case my shields remain inoperative.

[jim_n_virginia]

Yeah I'd LOVE to see the fellas faces if I walked in my local BG jam with that thing! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[F5G WIZ]

Sorry might have been a little brash but at least I didn't post a vomiting clown. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Chaser]

Sorry might have been a little brash but at least I didn't post a vomiting clown. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
No worries! Good fun all 'round.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Steve Davis]

It sure is hideous.

[tiltman]

It reminds me of the lady on the "Drew Carey Show" that wore all of the makeup....
Kirk

[Jim Garber]

Well, the seller is now trying a different tack: check it out for $45,000 <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-400-YR-OLD-MANDOLIN-LUTE-MUSEUM-QUALITY-L-K_W0QQitemZ120055990405QQihZ002QQcategoryZ3



8124QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">here</a>.

Actually the seller says

"I've placed this rare instrument in this category where buyers recognize value & important objects of virtue.":

Antiques &gt; Asian Antiques &gt; Chinese &gt; Paintings, Scrolls http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Your choice for the price: Loar signed L5 or this?

Jim

[F5G WIZ]

Wow, this guy is amazing. #Bet he would sell it for about 14,000.00! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Hate to see what his listing fees are adding up to.

[Jim Garber]

I think he honestly thinks he has something very old and valuable. He should just take it to someone who knows these and get a straight assessment of what he actually has. I can't imagine that even a museum would spend that money on something with no provenance or authenticity.

I have met him a number of times at the local flea market. He is a rock guitarist who buys and sells violins and whatever he thinks he can move. I think he has a gold mine here and will eventually find a buyer.

Jim

[kww]

You don't think that by now he is fully aware that he is looking for a clueless buyer?

[Jim Garber]

kww, you are probably right. You would think that he would contact some museums to see what they think. Or maybe he has already...

Jim

[allenhopkins]

"You can make your investment back just selling pictures and postcards..."

Let's see: postcards at 50 cents each -- only have to sell 90 thousand of them. Piece of cake.

[kww]

Anyone have any idea what he bought it for?

[Jim Garber]

Anyone have any idea what he bought it for?
Probably for a song, but I would be afraid to ask what song it was... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[markishandsome]

I would be afraid to ask what song it was

Eruption

[glauber]

I love this... it keeps getting better and better!


This is a once in a lifetime investment ! Few museums have an instrument as impressive looking as this. Realistically I'd value this instrument at $75,000.00 considering how rare it is and the attention it would draw at a museum. I can easily see this instrument as a center piece display in an instrument area of a museum. A 360 degree glass showcase with rotating display. They could earn back there investment just selling posters or picture postcards of this instrument in the gift shop.

[jk245]

Just to clue everyone in:
Per Ebay Item number: 120045891626:
The original said lot had a
minimum price was $12,500
and a
buy now price of $15,000
There were NO BIDS
The auction closed on Nov-04-06

"made at the very least 300 years ago. Circa 1560-1700!"
That put it from 446 to 306 years ago. I wonder how this guy figured the year 1560? (plus or minus a year)
He said that it was missing a paper label. Did they really use paper labels inside the box at that time?
I have to remember to put a paper label inside the next mando I make.

If you can find this guy at the CT flea markets you might be able to negotiate a $125 price. Sure would make a nice hanging piece in the bathroom.

For a more practical Christmas gift there is now on sale a new
"LG OLD FASHIONED SANTA W/ MANDOLIN/LUTE ORNAMENT" which you can get for a starting bid of $9.99 (Item number: 290058184337)

[Ray(T)]

Well - its not going in my bathroom!

[MandoSquirrel]

Well - its not going in my bathroom!
Don't need a spare "Foot Washer" (also known as "Throne")?

[Jim Garber]

It's BAAAAAAAAAAACK.... listed here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120069028522) for $20,000 less. What a bargain! Grab it while you can!!

Jim

[jk245]

would u believe! another go around from this CT guy

Jan 1 07: ebay Item number: 120069028522

he declined one offer for LESS than $25,000!

he should take the offer and RUN

[Jim Garber]

would u believe! another go around from this CT guy
Jan 1 07: ebay Item number: 120069028522
Yes, I linked to it right above your post...

Amazing, right?

Jim

[markishandsome]

Back again with new pictures

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/AMAZING-MUSEUM-QUALITY-MANDOLIN-c1680-1720-L-K_W0QQitemZ360023626099QQihZ023QQcategoryZ101
79QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">BUILT for ROYALTY or WEALTHY ARISTOCRAT A MUST SEEEEEEE</a>

[Keith Miller]

Seen the sellers handle ?? He will be if he manages to sell that thing http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Keith

[John Ritchhart]

Ah, the good ol' days. Show me your seriously. The ghost of wigglesworth.

[jimbob]

Gee, no MAS from that thing !
What a piece.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
( Course, just my luck, it's probably some Arab Loar or something like it )

[allenhopkins]

So, it was once worth $45K, now a third of that; was once made in the 16th century, now the 18th -- can we be forgiven for wondering exactly what the seller actually knows about it? Or about instruments in general?

One might think that, if selling an instrument in such a price range, one would go to an experienced professional, perhaps the curator of a museum's musical instrument collection, and get an authoritative evaluation and appraisal before looking uninformed on eBay. There is something fascinating about this over-decorated little gem, and I find myself wondering what it sounds like, and what its real history is. But, faced with such dubious provenance, I stay both irritated and amused by the seller's presumption.

[Jim Garber]

I run into this guy at the local flea market. he gets there super early and thinks he is quite the instrument expert. I am sure that he has bought quite a few things that were of value over the years. he has to, being out there hunting all the time.

Allen, those were also some of my points exactly. Did he ever go to a museum to have this checked out? If so, what exactly did they tell him? Personally, I think that this is some sort of Frankenstein instrument made to look older than it is and possibly not even playable anyway. But I am certainly no expert on instruments of the earlier eras. In any case, he could travel to Yale or to the Metropolitan or even send some photos to Christies for evaluation. Maybe he should take it to the Antiques Roadshow and see what they say.

BTW his prices come down and then a few months later he puts them again on eBay for twice or three times that.

[Timbofood]

Some folks just want to blow a horn, accuracy or real knowledge is not important, I have an uncle like that. he swears that the California quarter was only released in CA. I have not had the heart to burst that bubble yet. Sweet old duffer but, a touch hazy

[markishandsome]

After something like 3 years without a single bite you'd think he'd at least try unloading it with a museum or consignment dealer. I know I would if I were paying for insurance...

[Bill Snyder]

Maybe he does not approach a museum because he does NOT want to be told what he has. If he has not been told he can freely speculate.
Then again he may have been told by a museum what he has and he did not like the answer so he convinces himself they are wrong and he returns to ebay.
Or maybe....
I guess only he knows why he goes about listing it the way he does.

[jim simpson]

I think he should go on the antique road show with that fine instrument. Remember the Gibson/road show appraised (alleged) mandolin on Ebay?