Ibanez Mandolin what is it?

[rexyellowdog107]

Has been hanging around my family for many decades...

inside label says --

ANCIENNE (LOGO) MAISON

FONDEE * FN1881


MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS
OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

IBANEZ
MANDOLIN

LA PLUS GRANDE ET MODERNE
FABRIQUE EN JAPON

No. 505 [/CENTER]


What is it...and what is it worth? Thank you

[Nevin]

It is a bowl back mandolin made for the Ibanez company in Japan. I am guesstimating it dates from the 1960's or 70's. Given the French on the label it was probably intended for export to France or an other French speaking country. Most Ibanez instruments are of at least decent quality with some electric guitars and basses being very good. That said bowl back mandolins are not very popular right now and Japanese ones are not at all sought after. Price range is tricky as the condition looks good and it has some fancier details but I wouldn't expect it to go for much over $200.

[rexyellowdog107]

It is a bowl back mandolin made for the Ibanez company in Japan. I am guesstimating it dates from the 1960's or 70's. Given the French on the label it was probably intended for export to France or an other French speaking country. Most Ibanez instruments are of at least decent quality with some electric guitars and basses being very good. That said bowl back mandolins are not very popular right now and Japanese ones are not at all sought after. Price range is tricky as the condition looks good and it has some fancier details but I wouldn't expect it to go for much over $200.

Thank you for taking the time to respond, Nevin!

[Ray(T)]

I can’t be sure but I suspect that it might be older than that. This site http://s93105080.onlinehome.us/Ibanez-Catalogs/ has a list of catalogues from the 70s and it’s certainly older than the bowl backs from 1976.

[rexyellowdog107]

Ray, I'm pretty sure it's been around my house,(my parent's house), since the 50's. My grandpop played mandolin, tenor banjo and the bagpipes. It may predate ME! Thank you very much for giving me that info.

[Nevin]

It looks like the company first used the "Ibanez" name in 1957. I wasn't able to find information on when they carried bowl back mandolins.

[Ray(T)]

Here’s it’s sister!

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...3-a98d00a782cf

[rexyellowdog107]

The auction does have one similar for about 40 to 60 bucks USA.