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Thread: Barn Find, What is it.

  1. #1

    Default Barn Find, What is it.

    Friend has been bringing in a few Mandolins of his late fathers. 20's Martin AK2 was one of them, then there is this one that has the name on the peg head scratched. No details in the body at all, numbers, ect.
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  2. #2
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    Just in case Chainsawmandolin thinks they’re being ignored, it looks to me like a relatively cheap mandolin from the 1940s or 50s which may have somewhat later tuners fitted. Other than that, I don’t recognise the maker. There looks to be a degree of seam separation on the top which, if it needs attention would probably cost more to repair that the instrument is worth.

    Sorry if this is bad new for you or your friend but welcome to the forum.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    I would guess that the tuners are original and the mandolin may be somewhat newer- late 1960s or early 1970s. I have no idea where it was made- possibly the Far East. It does not look like central Europe to my eye- likewise the tuners. I have never seen a tailpiece like that with holes for ball end strings.

  4. #4
    mandolin slinger Steve Ostrander's Avatar
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    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    Looks like E. C______ silkscreened on the headstock.
    Living’ in the Mitten

  5. #5

    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    It is quite a lot like this- headstock, especially. https://www.ebay.com/itm/264234885833?ul_noapp=true

  6. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    I believe it's Japanese from the late 60's to the early 80's. The tuners look to be original.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    It’s nothing like anything I remember from the 60s but, if it is, I’d agree that the tuners could be original although, if they are, I’d have expected a full contingent of screws.

    Is that something stamped on the bach of the headstock between the tuner plates? I can’t make it out as I’m getting a distorted image on iPad.

  8. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    It looks like someone may have stamped their name with a letter die set. I hadn't blown it up large enough to notice the mismatched screws.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  9. #9

    Default Re: Barn Find, What is it.

    Thanks for the info. I did not notice the stamping on the back of the peghead. I will have to get a better look when able. Both bouts (sides) are seperated where they were glued together. I have my borescope back and can get better photos of the inside, but the kerfing inside is a solid piece of .250x.500 maple or similar wood steam bent to shape. It most likey will become a wall hanger in the studio.

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