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Thread: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    Hi everyone and thanks for reading my thread! I have a mandolin that I got from my great aunt, but I don’t know anything about it. It looks like it has the mother of pearl inlay on the front and maybe pewter nuts. Any information is appreciated!

  2. #2

    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

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  3. #3
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    Use the "go advanced" option and then click on the paperclip icon. You can download images from your files.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  5. #4
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    If you google "mandolin butterfly inlay" you'll find as much info as you need and more. These bowl backs were common in the late 19th and early 20th century - in Germany, Italy etc.

    Servus

  6. #5

    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    It looks very much like this mandolin -identified as from Oscar Schmidt- it has the same tuners which are American and tailpiece, so it is almost certainly an American make and Oscar Schmidt seems reasonable. OS did originate in Europe with a factory in Carlsbad, Bohemia but opened a works in Jersey City.https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...-bowlback.html

  7. #6
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    The times suggested are what I would expect. That was a budget American made mandolin mass produced (the low number of ribs on the back tell you that). If you want to restring it use very light strings or you can self destruct it. Those are very lightly built. I have one similar. They sound sweet.

    Jamie
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    Nice that you also have the case! Use GHS A240 ultralight strings on it to restring it. Enjoy!

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    Claire 

  10. #8

    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    I just found one almost identical to this - only difference I can see is in the butterfly inlay. Junk shop in western Minnesota, the owner had played in a bluegrass band ages ago (fond memories). Thanks LadysSolo for the tip on what strings to use - it's currently unstrung.
    A question for anyone -- the body is mostly lined with brown paper, is that evidence of repair at some point? It's not lining the whole bowl so I can see -one- narrow crack of daylight between ribs, but looking at the outer surface, I don't see signs of any re-gluing. It looks to be in very good shape except for that one crack. But the edges of the paper are loose/crude enough that it doesn't seem original. There are no marks/stamps/labels anywhere on the instrument.

  11. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Claire View Post
    ...A question for anyone -- the body is mostly lined with brown paper, is that evidence of repair at some point? It's not lining the whole bowl so I can see -one- narrow crack of daylight between ribs, but looking at the outer surface, I don't see signs of any re-gluing. It looks to be in very good shape except for that one crack. But the edges of the paper are loose/crude enough that it doesn't seem original. There are no marks/stamps/labels anywhere on the instrument.
    The brown paper is normal. Leave it there.
    "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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  13. #10
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    Default Re: Newbie looking to identify type/age of mandolin

    It’s almost identical to the first mandolin I bought, in about 1971, which has a stamp on the front identifying it as a “Silvestri” built in “Catania” (Sicily). Looking at the tailpiece, however, I’d go along with what NickR has said.

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