Curious about identification of an early 1900s bowl mandolin

[Sangfroidkilljoy]

This mandolin belonged to my grandfather's aunt and was recently passed on to me. He told me it's probably from the 30s or 40s. I can't find any brands or model numbers written on it, but there is a 3 stamped into the back.
It's in some rough shape. I'm getting a new nut and bridge for it, but my expectations are LOW. I don't expect it to be playable.
https://imgur.com/a/NyD6PJ5

[MikeEdgerton]

It's most likely after 1900 and before 1920. It's in rough shape. Most of the major manufacturers of the time made instruments for the trade with no label or brand. That way a teacher, school, or retailer could sell it as their own brand. Hopefully one of our resident bowlheads can point to a manufacturer for you. If you string that up use really light gauge strings.

[Sangfroidkilljoy]

It's most likely after 1900 and before 1920. It's in rough shape. Most of the major manufacturers of the time made instruments for the trade with no label or brand. That way a teacher, school, or retailer could sell it as their own brand. Hopefully one of our resident bowlheads can point to a manufacturer for you. If you string that up use really light gauge strings.

Thanks for the response! It does seem to fit your timeframe a lot better.

[Jim Garber]

For historical thread purposes:

[brunello97]

It's most likely after 1900 and before 1920.....

Worm over tuners? Replacements on a bowl this old? Or flipped over?

Mick

[MikeEdgerton]

It looks like they are flipped over worm under tuners.

[Sangfroidkilljoy]

It looks like they are flipped over worm under tuners.

I've played a little guitar but I'm new to mandolins. What does worm over/under refer to as far as the tuners and what's the difference between them?

[DavidKOS]

I've played a little guitar but I'm new to mandolins. What does worm over/under refer to as far as the tuners and what's the difference between them?

Does the tuner gear shaft meet the gear on top or on the bottom
of the gear itself? That's the difference.

[Sangfroidkilljoy]

She got the bare minimum of repair, from me, someone who's clueless about mandolins. It's in tune and sounds pretty enough. Anything was going to be an improvement.
https://imgur.com/a/Z24ih6v

[MikeEdgerton]

I've played a little guitar but I'm new to mandolins. What does worm over/under refer to as far as the tuners and what's the difference between them?

Almost everything you always wanted to know about worm over and worm under tuners can be found on the late Paul Hostetter's tuner page. It's here.

[Jim Garber]

She got the bare minimum of repair, from me, someone who's clueless about mandolins. It's in tune and sounds pretty enough. Anything was going to be an improvement.
https://imgur.com/a/Z24ih6v

Interesting. How is the action on it with that modern adjustable bridge—not usually used for bowlbacks? Are you able to fret the strings at all? Also, you strung it lefty—do you play that way?