National resonator mandolin

[Michael Brooks]

Hi guys, I'm new to Mandolin Cafe and I was hoping someone could help me with the model and build year of my National resonator mandolin. It's has an all metal painted body. Thanks!

[nmiller]

It's a Collegian from 1940-1, one of the last of the original National resonator instruments.

[allenhopkins]

+1 on the above ID for your mandolin.

Per Bob Brozman's The History and Artistry of National Resonator Instruments (p. 97):

"Ih the late 1930's, National introduced a rock-bottom budget 'student' model range, priced below the Duolian. Still retaining all the acoustic and structural qualities of Nationals, this model was essentially a Duolian with a simpler (and presumably cheaper-to-make) cover plate. The cover plate was punched with two concentric rings of holes, 18 holes in each ring. The bodies were finished in a yellowish wood-grain paint. There were Collegian guitars (Spanish and Hawaiian), tenor guitars, mandolins and ukuleles made. These instruments were marketed under the National name as well as with a Supro label -- there are no other differences."

"Supro" was National's budget line at the time. As pointed out above, instruments with "G" suffix serial numbers are identified as being made in 1940-41.

[Michael Brooks]

Thanks so much for the info. I appreciate it.

[Michael Brooks]

I'm thinking about selling but I don't have a clue as to the value. Can anyone help me out? Thanks.

[allenhopkins]

Here's a fairly sketchy one (read the description), listed two years ago for $725.

It was the bottom end of the National instrument line, but it is 75+ years old and playable. Not sure I'd pay $725 for it, but perhaps someone would.

[Lenny B]

Not meaning to hijack your post , but what would this one be worth ? I think the wood body is a bit rare ?

[nmiller]

Not meaning to hijack your post , but what would this one be worth ? I think the wood body is a bit rare ?

The Rosita model is relatively rare, but it's not considered as desirable as the metal-bodied mandolins. That one looks pretty clean; if it's playable and doesn't need work, you might get upwards of $500 for it. Maybe.