Martin A-style 1911

[Ajsuds@gmail.com]

What’s a good source to see how much my mandolin could sell for? PS. Can’t figure out how to post photos.
Thanks
AJ

[rcc56]

First, you have to determine the model and the year it was made. Martin was only making bowl back mandolins in 1911. The flat back mandolins were not introduced until 1914, and the carved models came later.

We can help with that, but we have to have clear pictures of the front and back, and we need to know what the serial number is. The number is usually inside the instrument, and is visible through the soundhole on the back or on the neck block.

Professional appraisals are available at the established vintage stores, such as Gruhn's in Nashville, Vintage Instruments in Philadelphia, Gryphon in California, and Elderly in Michigan. Their appraisals can be considered to be informed and reasonably accurate. The accuracy of local appraisers depends on the skill, knowledge, and integrity of the individual appraiser.

If you know anyone who has a current copy of the Vintage Guitar Price Guide, you can look it up in there, but they are not always accurate on older mandolins.

See if somebody can help you with posting photos. There was some unfortunate business on another thread recently when a poster never provided photos and a local appraiser had provided a price that appeared to be grossly inaccurate. Because of that, I am no longer going to try to evaluate an instrument without pictures.

[Bill McCall]

Of course you could always put on eBay, best offer, no reserve, to really find out how much someone will pay that day. Then spread the word.

[Ajsuds@gmail.com]

Thanks for the info. The serial number is 11303 and I looked it up on the Martin website and it indicates 1911. But then again I’m new at this. The best part I think is the shop it was purchased from is on it and there is a note from mother to daughter with pics taped to the back. I’m a sucker for nostalgias.
Figured out how to share pics. This is a beautiful mandolin. In fantastic physical shape.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sBgUZhRKbVhQpXDe8
AJ

[pheffernan]

It looks like a 1923: https://www.martinguitar.com/about/m...number-lookup/

[pops1]

It looks like a 1923: https://www.martinguitar.com/about/m...number-lookup/

Actually a 1924 by the chart, if I am reading it right.

[rcc56]

That is a 1924 style A in excellent plus condition. To the OP, Martin used a different set of serial numbers for their mandolins.
The case looks like a mandolin-banjo case to me.

Martin A's rarely go for over $1000 or so. You could try for more because of the condition, but you would have to find a buyer who is willing to pay a premium price for an unusually clean piece.

[Ajsuds@gmail.com]

Thank you very much!

[allenhopkins]

Apparently sold by Friedman's Music Shop in Newark NJ.

I paid about $850 eight or nine years ago for my 1919 Style A, excellent condition with a modern hardshell case (that fits it pretty well, all things considered -- hard to find modern cases for Martin flat-backs). So I would concur with the <$1K general market value estimate.

And, as rcc56 pointed out, Martin mandolin serial numbers are not in the same series as their guitar serial numbers.

[MikeEdgerton]

Another source that identifies it as a 1924 can be found here. Go to the bottom of the page. That is a mandolin banjo case and the pick on the left might keep it from being shipped across any international border (at least it would stop the pick).

[Ajsuds@gmail.com]

Thanks. What do you mean about the pick on the left??

[CES]

It may be made of tortoise shell...

[MikeEdgerton]

It may be made of tortoise shell...

Indeed. If it is and you tried to take it or send it across an international border you might find yourself afoul of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as CITES. Although it could be argued that this (possible) shell preceeds the treaty you cannot prove it. Hopefully the other pick is celluloid and not ivory.

[brunello97]

Friedman's Music Shop, Newark, NJ. Mandolins and Pool Tables.

Mick

[Bill Cameron]

It looks very nice but we have no information about playability; do you play it, OP? Or has someone knowledgable played it, found the action and intonation acceptable, and sighted down the neck to verify that it’s not bowed or warped? Those checks are important factors in assigning grade and value.

I would guess that it is most likely alright to play—just has a look of having been cared for. But there’s no substitute for a hands-on inspection.

I would be cautious about that case—an old case that is not designed to fit that particular instrument is not the best protection, especially for a piece as pristine-looking as this one. You might want to wrap it in a cloth bag (silk is best) inside the case, or get a new case or even a mandolin gig bag.

Also, you will want to restring it—don’t use the extra strings in the case, get a set of light-gauge strings (and a spare set for that matter).

Very appealing instrument, from what we’ve seen.

[dan in va]

The two-toned pick on the left looks like the celluloid picks from Japan (1960's-1970's) that was about half covered with a thin layer of cork on each side. These look like this when the cork has been removed. i had some myself.

[MikeEdgerton]

I was buying those same cork picks in the early 60's before Japan was even a source for this stuff. I'm assuming by the patents that have been placed that they were making them pre-1920 as well. Could it be from the 70's? Maybe, maybe not.

How about 1915?

By the way, I just bought this book. I've never seen it.