1924 F-5 Master Model Mandolin

[goaty76]

Trust me, finding rare "grail" instruments still does happen. My advice for the best results would be to keep looking, don't stop looking, and always be looking.

Phil

[JeffD]

I am fairly confident I will never come across a fine instrument accidently.

[Jeff Mando]

Trust me, finding rare "grail" instruments still does happen. My advice for the best results would be to keep looking, don't stop looking, and always be looking.

Phil

I agree, Phil, stuff is still out there. In fact, I am living proof that it is. Doesn't happen every day, but I still look every day. I have a really long list of stuff that I bought for under $50 and sold for $3000. That is over many years and includes instruments, watches, cameras, records. What has eluded me, however, is the holy grail stuff--a Loar, a prewar D-45, etc.

Of course, it is all a matter of perspective. I'm looking not for just a bargain or good deal, I'm looking for a "gift". I've spent countless hours, probably totally years, in fact, hunting down those deals. If I ever find one, my payment as an hourly rate would be pennies, of course. But, it is research that I enjoy doing, and that is the "real" hobby.

OTOH, it could well be argued that just finding one of these instruments for sale--at any price--is in fact an opportunity. Of course, you have to have your money ready to act on such an opportunity. The internet age we live in is perfect for this. In fact, the selection of vintage instruments for sale has never been better, IMHO. Not cheaper, just a better selection.

[JeffD]

But, it is research that I enjoy doing, and that is the "real" hobby.

That's great. I like that.

The internet age we live in is perfect for this. In fact, the selection of vintage instruments for sale has never been better, IMHO. Not cheaper, just a better selection.

If anything, I would think the internet has increased prices, because it has eliminated regional markets and bargains for those willing to road trip.

I would guess the only regional markets that exist now are when the antique object (instrument, clock, furniture, whatever) has a regional interest, was made locally or related somehow to a local hero. And that generally raises the price.

A friend of mine was able to buy an old painting of two cute Dalmation puppies in a fireman's helmet at great price because there was little global interest. But she tracked down the insignia on the shield of the hat to an existing fire department 1000 miles away and was able to sell them the painting at a profit.

[Bernie Daniel]

Now we're just trolling ourselves

I skimmed back over this thread again I remain a skeptical as ever - -I will be surprised if any new Loar-signed F-5 has been up covered. Of course it would be very cool to find out that I am wrong too.

[Timbofood]

"That's why it's called "fishing" not, " catching!"
I will keep fishing those yard sales and so on until I have a garage full of "stuff".....wait, I already have a garage full of "stuff!"
Oh, well

[Gary Leonard]

So, is this mandolin now on the classified ads?

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/86147

[Andrew B. Carlson]

So, is this mandolin now on the classified ads?

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/86147

Don't think so. 75700 is a known one in the archives, and the newly discovered one has a weird SN. http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/75700

[Dan Co1e]

Anything ever come to the surface regarding this instrument?

[William Smith]

Not that I know of? But a year or so ago a Loar "Floorsweep" surfaced, it had late 20's parts like later tuners a 27 style Flowerpot, a Guarantee label not a MM label-no Loar sig. but a Feb.18th 24 serial#! Looked to be very early 30's finish. I should've made a note of the FON#! So I don't know that ones story-did it get busted up and re-done by Gibson? It had a great Loar type sound when I played it but different! I had more ?'s so I passed on it as it was just too wrong for the $! For sure an interesting piece!