My "new" Old Weymann Mandolute

[Victor]

Hi there!
I have inherited a Weymann Mandolute and would like to learn about it. Appears to be vintage. Has a serial number on the top 15081. I've googled around and read about it some. Then found this forum. Does anyone have some knowledge about this instrument. I have several guitars but this is my first Mandolute and I know nothing about it. I have some pictures of it. Seems to be in good condition. I don't want to sell it for sentimental reasons, but I may want it insured in case of loss. So some rough idea of value would be helpful. Also, I think I want to get a case for it. Where would I find one for this instrument?
Thanks for any advice and information.
-Victor

[mrmando]

Not tremendously valuable. $600 in good playable condition; maybe $800 to $1K if it's in exceptional condition and/or one of the fancy ones. If you want to keep it, have it insured at the high end of that range.

You may not be able to find a tight-fitting case, but something like the Protec Stonewood should work well; it's designed to fit a variety of body types:

http://jazzmando.com/new/archives/001370.shtml

[Victor]

Thank you MrMando. Appreciate you taking the time to respond!

[Capt. E]

I still have a case that I got with a Weymann Mandolute in it. It is actually for a Lyon & Healy Style A, B or C, but the Weymann fits as well. It is up on the classifieds right now.

[Bruce Clausen]

They're well made mandos. Like most of the old flatbacks and bowlbacks, they're worth way less than they should be. Victor, there may be a model number stamped into the top end of the peghead, and that would be helpful for evaluating. Mine had an old repaired crack from the bridge to the lower edge on the bass side, and I get the impression this is a very common feature. Still, they play really nicely and sound good. Excellent machine heads on mine. Price I paid in the eighties was about what Martin suggested as present value. (Paid for itself right away though when I played it on a run of Don Giovanni.) The original fitted case was really nice.

It'd be fun to see your photos.

[Capt. E]

Here's the case:

[Capt. E]

and the inside: it's PURPLE

[Bruce Clausen]

The mandolutes are a pretty unique size and shape. Quite deep at the waist, tapering towards both ends. A little like a lute, I guess. For example:

http://www.vintagemandolin.com/15wey...e20_27147.html

[Capt. E]

Did I mention the case is for sale in the classifieds? Listed under Accessories. Make me an offer.