Weymann Keystone State Banjo Mandolin

[Debi]

I'm wondering where I can get a value on my Banjo Mandolin - I am thinking of selling. It is a Weymann Keystone State Banjo Mandolin (40482 40) I believe 1926 model 40. It is in really good shape. Thank you for your help. ( I'm hoping I did this ok - my first posting here)

[CES]

Not an area of expertise for me at all, but there’s one listed (optimistically, perhaps) on Reverb for just under $1000. Ones that have recently actually sold appear to be going in the $300-500 range, though I’ll admit to only looking quickly and not actually reading all the old ads...so, possible the price difference reflects different models/conditions.

I’m sure those in the know will chime in. If not, you could consider an appraisal from Gruhn’s or Elderly. Keep in mind that their appraisal reflects what they could sell it for after inspection and adjustment/repair if needed by their teams of luthiers, so will be a premium that may be higher than you could get in a private sale. Good luck!

[allenhopkins]

I checked this somewhat weird but perhaps helpful website, and the suggested year was 1928.

Apparently this No. 30 sold for $425 on eBay five years ago. There were a couple Weymann mandolin-banjos listed on Reverb for $400 and $500 that apparently sold (when you click on a Reverb "no longer available" listing, you can see the old asking price for half a second before it fades out).

Yours is in decent condition, but there's a fair amount of corrosion/wear to some of the metal parts. I'd be glad to get $400 for it, and would take less. A case, if it has one, would make a difference.

Mandolin-banjos are quite common, and unfortunately not in high demand. Weymann's a respected label, though Gibson, Vega or Paramount might have more market appeal. On the other hand, you could learn to play it, and annoy your neighbors...

[Debi]

Thank you Chuck and Allen for the information.

[MikeEdgerton]

Allen has it right. If you can get $400.00 for it do a happy dance. I'm not sure you'll get that. $1000.00 is overly optimistic. Banjo mandolins of this age by other builders fail to sell weekly on eBay. I'm not sure that the builder will make that much difference in this case. I owned a tenor that was a complete match to yours a few years back. You're looking for that special buyer that has every other Weymann model and just has to have this one.

[Jim Garber]

I checked this somewhat weird but perhaps helpful website, and the suggested year was 1928.

I got 1926 as did the OP for the year from the serial number 40482 on that site.

Here is the page for the Style 40A banjo-mandolin from a 1924 Weymann catalog.