View Full Version : can anyone identify this mandolin
ms96tears
Aug-31-2010, 4:26pm
I have been trying to identify this old beat up mandolin without any luck. Can anybody help me out. Thanks
F-2 Dave
Aug-31-2010, 7:53pm
I don't know who made it, but its pretty cool.
MikeEdgerton
Aug-31-2010, 8:48pm
It's probably Chicago built, looks like Harmony, might be Regal. I don't think it's a Kay. Are there any number stamped inside?
Jake Wildwood
Aug-31-2010, 11:55pm
Totally Harmony... possibly refinished... and non-original fittings. c.1940s/50s with that purfling.
ms96tears
Sep-01-2010, 6:04pm
There are some numbers inside. S-40 and 318 418. I know that it's not orriginal but I just thought someone might recognise the head stock. Thanks again
ms96tears
Sep-01-2010, 6:04pm
Thanks
bobbyburns
Sep-01-2010, 8:53pm
It's a 1940 Harmony with a non-original bridge and tailpiece. I've seen a couple of these with the same trim. One was labeled Orpheum, and I don't remember the brand on the other. Both were sunbursts with the painted flame on the back and sides. The s-40 means either spring 1940, or second shift 1940 depending on who you ask. Most of those Harmony mandos made before the '60s and '70s sound pretty decent, but most need some work to play good. Hopefully, whoever refinished yours also got the neck in good shape.
MikeEdgerton
Sep-01-2010, 9:36pm
That shows that it's a Harmony. The S40 is a Harmony date code, it's from 1940 the Second half of the year. It wasn't branded so there is no letter designation between those two sets of numbers. Had it been branded Harmony there probably would have been an H in that blank spot.
More on Harmony date codes and model numbers here (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?56098-Harmony-Date-Codes-and-Serial-Numbers).