unidentified vintage European mandolin

[ginnels]

I was given this in my Great Grandfather's will about 20 years ago. My Grandmother thinks it predates her (she was born 1928).

It plays wonderfully still, has a lovely action and tone and seems to be of good quality.

Anyone know what it is?

[Martin Jonas]

Definitely German, probably made in Markneukirchen (in Saxony). The style strongly reminds me of an Otwin I used to own, although that one had a two-piece back rather than the marquetry on yours. Also, unlike most Markneukirchen builders, Otwin usually put labels in their mandolins. Otwin had floating pickguards and round soundholes with a simple rosette like yours -- most other German instruments had inlaid or painted pickguards instead.

1928 sounds a touch too early, but not impossible. 1930s is more likely.

I liked my Otwin, and if yours is similar I can believe it's a very nice instrument (even without the family connection).

Martin

[DavidKOS]

I just saw a similar mandolin at a buddy's house, German make too.

I like the round button on the vaulted back - it's like you can rest it on a table and it sits on the button.

[allenhopkins]

OK, here's a recent thread about an instrument with some similarities, some differences.

Very similar headstock and tailpiece shapes. Back segments divided radially, like pie slices, rather than parallel strips. "Button" in the center of the back.

On the other hand, inlaid pickguard rather than floating. Small "extra" soundholes, which yours doesn't have.

Consensus of the other thread was that the instrument was made in the former Democratic Republic of Germany (East Germany).

[Martin Jonas]

Not that similar, Allen. The similarities to that other thread are what makes it typically German, but there is more here that to me looks typically Otwin.

The two extra small soundholes are here as well, by the way, but unusually in the side, not the top.

Martin

[JeffD]

Those two extra holes... I have never seen them in the side like that. Actually it makes them more mysterious.

[multidon]

I really wish someone would find out what the two extra holes are for in this and the other thread and in general with these German instruments. The suspense is killing me! Somebody out there has the answer. Spill it, already!

[ginnels]

Cheers! I'm as confused as anyone regarding the extra holes, it is a pretty loud instrument so maybe they help with projection towards the player?

[allenhopkins]

If the mandolin were made in East Germany, they might be apertures for the Stasi's spy cameras.