One of my little piano students comes from a family of mandolin enthusiasts! Apparently her grandfather went around Manhattan pawn shops buying up old instruments, and left two or three to each of his children when he passed away.
I took a look at the instruments she has and I was surprised! One is a pretty Gibson A style and the other is a two-point that has a stamp on the internal wood that says "C.F. Martin & Co." The instruments seem to have original hardware and cases, and are quite playable (the Gibson sounds great!) despite some minor flaws.
Here is a photo album with both instruments. I'd appreciate any info or insight anyone may have. The family is thinking of selling them to help pay for a new piano and as for me I would love to put in the cash to restore them myself, if only just to play at her house.
Here's the album.
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