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Thread: Old mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Old mandolin

    I have a mandolin that belonged to my Dad. The only marking on it is Florence on the headstock. Does anyone have any info on maker and date of build? Thank you.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Old mandolin

    There are lots of knowledgeable folks here, but it helps a lot to have pics.
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  3. #3
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old mandolin

    I've seen the "Florence" brand attributed to both Kay and Regal, two Chicago manufacturers of less expensive instruments.

    Does it look anything like this one? The one pictured is an example of "resonator" mandolins sold under names like Blue Coment, Beltone, etc.
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  4. #4

    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Yes it does. Wood and fingerboard are the same.
    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    I've seen the "Florence" brand attributed to both Kay and Regal, two Chicago manufacturers of less expensive instruments.

    Does it look anything like this one? The one pictured is an example of "resonator" mandolins sold under names like Blue Coment, Beltone, etc.

  5. #5
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Check this thread which links to others discussing that type of mandolin. You say "wood and fingerboard are the same," but does your Dad's mandolin have the same basic construction -- round resonator with sound-holes behind the regular mandolin body?

    Would indeed help if you posted a picture.
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

  6. #6

    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Grumbles View Post
    Yes it does. Wood and fingerboard are the same.
    Allen Hopkins,mine is not a resonator. Wood looks the same,pick guard looks identical. It is an A style. I will try to post some pics soon. Thanks for the info.

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  8. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Maybe like either of these?

    Click image for larger version. 

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  9. #8

    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Maybe like either of these?

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	183638 Click image for larger version. 

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    Very similar to the resonator but without the holes. Coloring of the wood and the pick guard are the same.

  10. #9
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Old mandolin

    Must be more like this one, with the f-holes?

    Click image for larger version. 

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