Alrite Alrite Alrite!

[pheffernan]

As someone interested in flattops, I've been looking for a vintage instrument, such as a Gibson Army-Navy model, and a 1917 Alrite just appeared on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200916482021

I've read what I can find on this one-hit wonder and was hoping for the perspective of some more experienced eyes. It seems like the tailpiece is missing. Is there anything else that I should notice?

Thanks,
Pat

[Marty Jacobson]

I think those are the coolest of the army-navy style mandolins. The asking price range ($650 starting, $1100 BIN) overlaps with A model Gibsons of the same era, and while the A models are a little easier to sell, this is still pretty inexpensive, as mandolins go... I'd say go for it.