Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

  1. #1

    Default Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    Hello mandolin experts,

    This instrument has been in my family for many years and we have never known much about it. Unfortunately, there appears to be no name or markings on the mandolin or if there is I cannot find them. The tailpiece is stamped “Pat’d Oct 26, 66.” In any case, here are several pictures of the instrument. If any additional information or pictures are necessary for identification do not hesitate to ask. Any information on my mandolin would be greatly appreciated!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand1.jpg 
Views:	405 
Size:	44.3 KB 
ID:	139646
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand2.jpg 
Views:	342 
Size:	145.6 KB 
ID:	139647
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand4.jpg 
Views:	355 
Size:	40.6 KB 
ID:	139648
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand3.jpg 
Views:	328 
Size:	86.2 KB 
ID:	139649
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand6.jpg 
Views:	331 
Size:	67.5 KB 
ID:	139650
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand7.jpg 
Views:	274 
Size:	55.0 KB 
ID:	139651
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mand5.jpg 
Views:	317 
Size:	63.4 KB 
ID:	139652

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Rochester NY 14610
    Posts
    17,378

    Default Re: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    Think the tailpiece patent date is 86, rather than 66; probably no US mandolin tailpiece patents from 1866. Nice tailpiece, though.

    My observation, FWIW, is a low-to-mid-price US-made mandolin from the late 19th or early 20th century. Bridge is a later replacement. It has a rosewood body, and a "decent" number of ribs; the number of ribs in the bowl is a rough indicator of quality. On the other hand, it has little ornamentation, and the better instruments from that era were festooned with quite a bit of mother-of-pearl.

    There were many mandolins being produced domestically in that "golden age" of mandolin popularity. Quite a few were built in the Chicago area, but I'm not expert enough to attribute this one to any Chicago manufacturer.

    Seems in good shape, with the neck still at an appropriate angle. The clunky more-modern bridge is 'way too high, resulting in unplayable action at the higher frets; I'd replace it with a more appropriate bridge of a lower height. (The bridge should be "floating," meaning that it's held to the top only by string tension, and not glued to the top.) Put some extra-light strings on it and enjoy it as a family heirloom, but don't expect it to have any great commercial value.
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to allenhopkins For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Ann Arbor/Austin
    Posts
    6,281

    Default Re: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    I think Allen is right on with his general attributions.

    Worth calling attention, though, to the high quality rosewood used on the bowl of a very "low to mid-priced" mandolin. Those were the days.....

    Mick
    Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
    ______________________

    '05 Cuisinart Toaster
    '93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
    '12 Stetson Open Road
    '06 Bialetti expresso maker
    '14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig

  5. The following members say thank you to brunello97 for this post:


  6. #4

    Default Re: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    Thanks for the help!

    It is very much appreciated.


  7. #5
    ************** Caleb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    DFW, Texas
    Posts
    3,676

    Default Re: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    This is such a cool looking mandolin that I couldn't resist doing something with those pics. Hope the OP doesn't mind.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	FullSizeRender-1.jpg 
Views:	274 
Size:	121.3 KB 
ID:	139883   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	FullSizeRender.jpg 
Views:	268 
Size:	144.2 KB 
ID:	139884  
    ...

  8. The following members say thank you to Caleb for this post:

    Ookpik 

  9. #6

    Default Re: Old Mandolin - Help Identify

    Don't mind at all.

    Cool pix!

  10. The following members say thank you to Ookpik for this post:

    Caleb 

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •