Vega Cylinder Back model numbers?

[Tim Logan]

Can any one explain the Vega Cylindr Back model numbers to me and also tell me which model number this one might be? Also, do you know if the finish on Vegas was varnish? Thank you.

[allenhopkins]

You can check out this 2004 thread which has some interesting info, and also this Mugwumps article on Fairbanks and Fairbanks/Vega serial numbers. The article is specifically about banjos, but several have said that banjo and mandolin serial numbers were in the same series.

A starting point (or two), anyway.

[rcc56]

If I recall correctly:

202: Mahogany back and sides, simple top border.
203: Maple or rosewood back and sides, simple top border.
205: Flame maple or rosewood back and sides, diagonal black-white ["half herringbone"] top border, abalone rosette, pickguard with floral abalone inlay.
207: Flame maple back and sides, abalone top border and rosette, pickguard with floral abalone inlay.

Yours is most likely a 202-- most of them were; but I cannot say for sure because I cannot see what the back and sides are made of.

These mandolins were varnished. The catalog description specified French polish.

[Tim Logan]

Rcc56 - Perfect, thank you so much. I really appreciate your help!