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Thread: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

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    Default 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    A few months ago I inherited my Great Grandma's Martin mandolin, and a note saying when the strings were changed and that it was bought in 1923. She doesn't know who wrote the note. The serial # is A-17981, and there is a sticker on the back of the head stock advertising a music store called Berqstrom Music in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is in amazing condition besides a small crack under the pickguard, any info? I'd love to hear about this piece of history!

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    The serial number that you give does not fit the standard Martin serial number configuration. As far as I know, Martin did not ever use letters as part of their numbering system.

    Martin mandolin serial numbers are generally stamped on the back strip or the neck block on the inside of the instrument, and are visible by looking through the sound hole. If the number you gave us is in another location, it is possible that the number was put there by a distributor. There may be another number inside the instrument.

    A few pictures would help, including one of the serial number. Also, if there are any other stamps or labels on the instrument, a picture of them would help solve the origin of the instrument. If you cannot furnish pictures, please describe the location and the text of any labels or stamps.

    Can you tell us what kind of wood the back and sides are made of?

    I just looked at the mandolin in your profile picture, and it does appear to be a Martin instrument. But the picture is too small to be able to identify the model and confirm the year it was made.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    The Martin mandolin serial numbers can be found at the bottom of this page. The guitars are listed at the top. Please post some pictures.

    That Style A mandolin was made well into the 80's.

    They are also located at the bottom of this page.
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The Martin mandolin serial numbers can be found at the bottom of this page. The guitars are listed at the top. Please post some pictures.

    That Style A mandolin was made well into the 80's.

    They are also located at the bottom of this page.
    Looks to me like the numbers in A-17981 corresponds with 1947, not the 1980's, but I will repeat that I have not yet seen any Martin serial number with a letter prefix. I suspect there is another number somewhere on the instrument.

    That is a wonderful gift. Perhaps another number will be located and the instrument will indeed be from 1923.

    Pictures, please??
    Last edited by rcc56; Jun-30-2018 at 2:11pm.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    It seems like I've seen the A prefix on some later mandolins (like 70's or 80's) but I can't recall. It's been a while since I had one in my hands.
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Huh. I agree that I've never seen a Martin with a letter-prefix serial number, yet -- here's an expired Reverb listing for a Serial #15,000's Style A mandola with an A-prefix serial number. Listing's European, but seller's ID-ed as Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar in Seattle WA.

    Explanation? Don't have one. Prefix added for mandola rather than mandolin? Not at all consistent with Martin practice, which was/is to number all US-made instruments consecutively regardless of model; consecutive serial numbers for a D-18 and a 00-28, e.g. Prefix added for export, or for a particular distributor? Again, don't know any precedent. Longworth's book is silent on the subject; some instruments that Martin made for other companies (Ditson, Wurlitzer et. al) had different serial numbering systems, but these instruments were generally labeled other than "Martin."

    Can't find a reference to a letter-prefix Martin serial number system through Google. A conundrum.

    Additional Stuff: Bergtrom Music was apparently founded in 1874 in Honolulu, since a 1917 newspaper feature celebrates their 43rd anniversary. There's a good deal of evidence that Martin built ukuleles for Bergstrom Music -- no chance that this is a ukulele, is there? (Nah, a ukulele wouldn't have a pickguard.) Martin ukes weren't serial numbered, but were marked "Martin"; the ones Bergstrom sold had a "Bergstrom Music" sticker on the back of the headstock, as you describe.
    Last edited by allenhopkins; Jun-30-2018 at 6:20pm.
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    I have the answer-- according to Gruhn's Guide, Martin stamped the model number in front of the serial number starting around 1931. I looked at the mandola that Allen referred, and there is a clear picture of the serial number with the letter prefix. I do not remember noticing anything like this before. Next time I see a more recent Martin mandolin, I'll make a point of looking to see whether they continued the practice into the later 1900's.

    This means that the OP's mandolin is a Martin style A made in the year 1947. Martin's suggested price for the mandolin was $32.50. The next year, the price was raised to $36.

    I have heard the Bergstrom Music name referred to on other occasions. A quick google search reveals that they were very active through the beginning of WWII, not only selling instruments, records, and radios; but also apparently as a publisher of sheet music.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Very cool.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	169099 here is the number

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    I cannot find anything that would be a serial # other than the previous one
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin


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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    This is very helpful! Thanks so much to anyone giving replies

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    The serial number that you give does not fit the standard Martin serial number configuration. As far as I know, Martin did not ever use letters as part of their numbering system.

    Martin mandolin serial numbers are generally stamped on the back strip or the neck block on the inside of the instrument, and are visible by looking through the sound hole. If the number you gave us is in another location, it is possible that the number was put there by a distributor. There may be another number inside the instrument.

    A few pictures would help, including one of the serial number. Also, if there are any other stamps or labels on the instrument, a picture of them would help solve the origin of the instrument. If you cannot furnish pictures, please describe the location and the text of any labels or stamps.

    Can you tell us what kind of wood the back and sides are made of?

    I just looked at the mandolin in your profile picture, and it does appear to be a Martin instrument. But the picture is too small to be able to identify the model and confirm the year it was made.
    Sides are mahogany and I believe the top is a form of spruce

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Is the pickguard inlaid into the top or glued on top of it? I think it's newer than you think it is.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Serial number and appearance are consistent with 1947. A great family heirloom. May you enjoy it for many years.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Is the pickguard inlaid into the top or glued on top of it? I think it's newer than you think it is.
    It is inlaid

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    If it's inlaid then it's in the 20's. There is a disconnect here someplace.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    The picture looks like it is glued to the top, but it is hard to tell in a picture.
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    I think some were glued to the top before the top was finished which may make it look as though it's inlaid.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Looks glued to the top with the typical pickguard crack forming on the outside. Standard Martin practice for a long time. You should have that crack checked when you get a chance. Otherwise general appearance is very good condition.

    Very cool to have an instrument from a relative. Especially with the sticker from the original dealer. Enjoy that one.
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    The inlaid guards were flush and cracked as bad as the guards that were glued to the top. The early 20's Style A guards were inlaid. I still think that's a late 40's mandolin.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    This mandolin was stamped in August 5, 1947 and cleared final inspection on October 27, 1947.

    The pick guard material changed in color and pattern over time. This one is consistent with material of the period. It is glued to the bare top wood then finished over, making it appear to be inlaid if you're not used to vintage Martins.
    Last edited by Buck; Jul-04-2018 at 10:11am.

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The inlaid guards were flush and cracked as bad as the guards that were glued to the top. The early 20's Style A guards were inlaid. I still think that's a late 40's mandolin.
    Yeah it is glued for the top

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Buck View Post
    This mandolin was stamped in August 5, 1947 and cleared final inspection on October 27, 1947.

    The pick guard material changed in color and pattern over time. This one is consistent with material of the period. It is glued to the bare top wood then finished over, making it appear to be inlaid if you're not used to vintage Martins.
    Wow thanks so much !

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Platt View Post
    Looks glued to the top with the typical pickguard crack forming on the outside. Standard Martin practice for a long time. You should have that crack checked when you get a chance. Otherwise general appearance is very good condition.

    Very cool to have an instrument from a relative. Especially with the sticker from the original dealer. Enjoy that one.
    I was going to get the crack fixed once I have the money, sending it to Rosa String Works

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    Default Re: 1923 Martin A-style mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by bb0nak View Post
    I was going to get the crack fixed once I have the money, sending it to Rosa String Works
    Can I ask why you're considering that shop? If you've had good experience there, you may feel it's a good choice. Having watched some of the videos, I see a lot non-period type work on vintage instruments. It makes me uncomfortable. I would (and do) choose repairmen who use the most period-correct repairs possible. On vintage instruments the execution of the repair is nearly as important to future value as the type of damage itself.

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