I want to identify my mandolin, please help

[Katie-Elyse]

Hi I’d like to identify what type of mandolin this is, it has numbers in the wings of the butterfly but can’t quite read what they all are, can anyone help please?

[MikeEdgerton]

Can we get a picture of the front of the headstock as well?

[Katie-Elyse]

[Katie-Elyse]

Is that what you meant by headstock?

[rcc56]

Yes. A more direct angle with a little more light would help more. Also, a picture showing a front view of the whole instrument will be helpful.

Are there any markings on the inside of the instrument that can be seen with a flashlight?

The craftsmanship on this instrument does not resemble the work of any maker that I am familiar with. It occurs to me that the instrument could be European. I will note for others that the rosette and purfling are stenciled, not inlaid. Perhaps that will ring a bell with someone.

I like the butterfly.

[Katie-Elyse]

Thankyou here are more photos

[MikeEdgerton]

It appears to have what is called a zero fret. That would point to a manufacturer outside the US. As rcc56 has pointed out the method of decorating the instrument and even the construction of the tuning machines themselves do not resemble any American manufacturer. I don't believe it's more than 30-40 years and barring any other labels or markings it could possibly be eastern European.

[Katie-Elyse]

Thanks for giving me yours opinion I appreciate it, what do you think the value of it would be?

[rcc56]

Mandolins of this type with "flat" tops and backs [I know, it's not really flat] typically bring a few hundred dollars.
Only instruments made by Martin and Larson bring more, and this one was not made by either of them.

Mike, I don't see the "zero fret," I only see a reflection from the polished ebony nut.

[NickR]

Without ascertaining the condition of the instrument giving a value is difficult. However, even in good playable condition, an instrument like this made in central Europe- probably East Germany or Czechoslovakia is very low. They were not expensive instruments when new and they are common and do not have a following- so are not in demand. This does not mean they are not reasonable instruments to learn on and play but they are not sought after.

[rcc56]

An old girlfriend of mine has a Rumanian made mandolin of this type that sounds great. She's had it for over 35 years. It's the only instrument that she's owned that she never got tired of.

[NickR]

We have not seen the tailpiece but a few features on this mandolin suggest it might be Russian made. Russian mandolins usually have a tailpiece shaped like a lyre.

[Katie-Elyse]

This is the tailpiece, Thankyou everyone for your comments just trying to work out how much as I’d like to sell it.

[NickR]

If you could show the part of the tailpiece that is on the top (front) of the mandolin, that would be useful.

[Katie-Elyse]

i
There isn’t a top part of it

[Wolfboy]

I have a Russian-made (I think) mandolin not dissimilar to this – not the same but a few features in common, and looks like it could fall in the same general realm as this one – that I bought in 1988 for $75, if that gives you an idea. I’d be surprised if you could get much more than $200, if that, for this one, even if it’s in good playing condition.

That said, mine is a surprisingly decent-sounding little critter for what it is – I’ve even used it on a few CDs – so you never know. As NickR says, yours could turn out to be a fine learning mandolin if the setup’s good. But you haven’t stumbled upon a Stradivarius or anything...

The butterfly’s cool, though; gotta give it that.

[allenhopkins]

I like the "Russian" attribution; overall, not an expensive or high-end instrument. The four-pin tailpiece, un-compensated-un-adjustable bridge, and stencil decorations militate against its being a pro-quality mandolin.

May well be playable and decent sounding, but not a "bonanza" find.

[MikeEdgerton]

Mike, I don't see the "zero fret," I only see a reflection from the polished ebony nut.

It looks different on my laptop than it did on my phone, you're right.

I still say Eastern Europe, and Russia would fit that. They usually have a descriptive label.

[NickR]

Most Russian or Soviet instruments were made in a big state combine in Leningrad- now back to its former name of St Petersburg. This enterprise had been known as Zimmerman- a company that still exists as a publisher. However, after the Russian Revolution, the assets were nationalized. Here is a brief history of the company: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimmermann_(publisher)