Unmarked Mandolin ID help!

[GoatRadishBoy]

Stunning Mandolin! But it has no makers marks... I was wondering if it was Italian and about what year it was made. Any information on it would be greatly appreciated. :grin:

http://www.hughesestatesales.com/ebay_photos/HOG/mandolin_01.jpg
http://www.hughesestatesales.com/ebay_photos/HOG/mandolin_02.jpg
http://www.hughesestatesales.com/ebay_photos/HOG/mandolin_07.jpg

[Bill Snyder]

I have no answers for you, but it does look like someone played the that one a lot.

[allenhopkins]

Is it a piccolo mandolin? Proportions seem non-standard.

[GoatRadishBoy]

I am not sure if it a piccolo mandolin or not? I really don't know much about mandolins.
Oh yeah this piece was very well played...!
Thanks for the input!

[JeffD]

We have some world class bowlback aficionados around here, I am sure someone will be able to give you specifics.

[Jim Garber]

Prob Italian. I have seen that peghead or similar. I will check my files and see if I can ID. Doesn't strike me as a piccolo. Measurements would certainly help.

[GoatRadishBoy]

Thanks Jim! This piece is 24" long. The body is about 12 1/2" and fret board (not including the peghead) is 8 3/4" long. Does that help! I sure appreciate help!

[MikeEdgerton]

I'm pretty sure the screw eye isn't orginial. I think the original would have been brass. :cool:

It looks Italian to me.

[Jim Garber]

GRB: those dimensions are standard mandolin size. Demeglio mandolins have a very similar peghead, BTW, tho otherwise it is different from that maker.

It is also strange because that is an American tailpiece -- very different from Italian ones in general. of course, it copuld have been added later.

[RayMan7]

I dont what what it is, well it`s a beetle back mandolin, but it`s one of the coolest mandolins I have ever seen! I dont know, I just really like it. :)

[GoatRadishBoy]

it is a very charming mandolin! It used to belong to a couple of circus performers!

[Jim Garber]

Hmmm... I wonder if they played it on the tightrope. :)

[GoatRadishBoy]

Maybe! ahahaha!

[Jim Garber]

Here you go. Now listed on eBay: Antique Mandolin Bowlback Van de Velde Circus Beetle Back (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270809501616)

[brunello97]

Here you go. Now listed on eBay: Antique Mandolin Bowlback Van de Velde Circus Beetle Back (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270809501616)

Why am I not surprised? I do like the picture of Bert and Elly included in the ad. You don't see a contemporary photo of a vintage instrument all that often. Elly must have beat on that thing. Playing Julius Fucik's opus, no doubt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0CyOAO8y0

Mick