"German, 1930s, Very cool" ...

[EdHanrahan]

... is what someone, most probably here, sent to the seller. Yes, it is cool, except maybe for the price?

http://cgi.ebay.com/MANDOLIN-A-Style-Teardrop-Rosewood-Antique-Vintage-Rare_W0QQitemZ160408539405QQcategoryZ10179QQcmdZVi ewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%2 6its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS% 252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D20%26pmod%3D260641134481 %26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6774165591622998511

[Martin Jonas]

Well, it certainly is 1930s and it certainly is German. There is a minor point of interest in that it has two sets of those mysterious double holes, one on the top and one at the side, with the inserts in those on the top being painted with tiny flowers. Other than that, it is about as bog-standard as they come. Unless the tone is utterly amazing (which one won't know without playing), I would think $50 to $100 is about the going rate -- I do like them (I learned to play on a fairly similar one, a heirloom from my grandfather), but they are just so super-abundant and there is effectively no demand for them.

Martin

[Mandolin Mick]

Very interesting mandolin ... but price is kinda steep ...

There was a mandolin made in Holland on Ebay a few months ago; great shape with tulips on the pickguard. Went for about $30 ... I regret not biting ...

[brunello97]

I do like the Jugenstil-ly pickguard design. But I have a hunch Martin is right. It probably sounds a whole lot better than its (real) price would command. 50$? Amazing. The tailpiece is interesting as it is the type seen on a many an US made mandolin from this era--and earlier.

Mick

[MikeEdgerton]

Martin is right about the price, these show up fairly regularly.