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Here are 2 fb marketplace (local) finds. They were sold as projects included with a tenor banjo. Both had severe cracks, loose braces, etc. They are now in a playable state, lowly and humble as they are. I like the graphic on the flat top, the arch top has the Strad-like segmented f-holes. Any ideas on make or brand?
The flat top is a Supertone made by Harmony- in 1933 or 1934. The archtop on the left is probably a Stradolin or made by the company that made them and sold by a third party. Some of those Stradolins look similar to the Harmony Montertey mandolins but I think the f holes suggest Stradolin.
Here is the tenor guitar version of your mandolin. There is a six string on Bay right now although the seller maintains it is a Regal instrument despite it showing its Harmony date stamp inside!
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...enor-249626671
Thank you Nick! I like the way the Supertone tenor guitar version looks.
Looking at the other mandolin, again, the straight cut of the board rules it out as a Harmony Monterey derivative- it must be something from the Stradolin makers. The tuner type might help date it. I assume you replaced the bridge?
Hey Nick, yes, the bridge was replaced by something I had laying around as the original was missing. Here are shots of the tuners from each one.
Jim, both mandolins have Waverly oblong plank tuners from the 1930s. We know the date of the Supertone and I would suggest the "Stradolin" is late 1930s to very early 1940s although it might possibly be mid-30s.