Looking for any information on this Mandolin

[Wispez]

This mandolin was handed down to me from my wife's great great grandfather. The only marking on it is a falcon badge on the inside. Can anyone help???

[allenhopkins]

Can't find anything on "Falcon" bowl-back mandolins; the respected Mugwumps index has no listing. May or may not be the brand name; manufacturer or dealer labels are usually more informative, giving addresses etc. So it may have been a store brand, or even a "sticker" that an earlier owner placed inside.

The alternate maple and mahogany (? -- guessing here) ribs in the bowl were a common feature of 1890's mandolins. The pickguard resembles others on American mandolins of that period, both in shape and in its inlay. Most unusual feature is the elaborate marquetry in the "skirt"; I've not seen anything that fancy before.

My guess -- and it's a guess -- is US-made, around 1900 or before, perhaps in NYCity? The modest number of ribs would indicate a mid-priced instrument, but the marquetry decoration might suggest a higher-priced model.

What you may know about its history in your family, might provide clues to its provenance. Is it playable? The action in the side photo looks really low, but it's hard to tell.

Hope that some of the more informed bowl-back experts will chime in with their perspectives.

[MikeEdgerton]

They were making alternate ribs well beyond the 20's.

[Bob A]

Nothing to add to the above, info-wise, but it's a handsome instrument, with the marquetry and fancy woods. I hope it's playable.

[LadysSolo]

I would put ultralight strings on it and learn to play it - it's a nice looking instrument!

[Jim Garber]

It looks like a lower end mandolin made by George Bauer who was associated with SS Stewart Co.

Here's a similar example, minus the marquetry: