Could anyone give me some info on this mandolin please?

[KieranB]

I inherited this instrument from my late grandfather. At the time I didn't even know what it was but i've since been informed that it is a mandolin circa 1910.

I'm told it once belonged to a famous Irish folk singer that he liked although I have no idea who as my father is also no longer here to tell me.

There's no makers mark, stamp or label on it anywhere. Not a date or a name, nothing.

It has a huge amount of sentimental value and if anyone would be able to give me any insights that would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

[NickR]

Lucas Sobieranski has researched these instruments which were made in the early 1900s in Saxony by Ewald Glaesel. He has a website. https://www.lucassobieranski.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drvg7Xnk1sk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYB7yTkjJY4

[Ray(T)]

These crop up regularly. In terms of value, you might like to watch this - https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...e-ac8e00fe8466

Inretesting decoration on the front - looks like Boulle work - you have the mirror/negative image!

Welcome to the forum.

[KieranB]

Thanks guys nice to have a little back story.

I've never been too successful with string instruments but I would like to have it cleaned up or restored and learn a diddle or two! It's visibly worn but in good condition overall although I will be extra careful with it.

Wouldn't want to part with it, I didn't expect it to be worth much anyway but always thought it was just a nice thing. My grandad played it rarely but would pick it up on occasion.

[NickR]

These mandolins are described as "Wappen" style which is the German word for escutcheon or shield- a coat of arms. Along with the guitar shaped mandolins- known as mandolinetto instruments, they were made in Saxony and sold in the UK by the various "musical colleges and schools" that were created during the monster mandolin boom of this era. As a consequence, they are quite common and do not command huge sums- £100 or so depending on their condition. Your mandolin appears at a quick glance from the photos, to be in okay condition and is probably a player, as is. However, always treat an old instrument with caution if you choose to tune it to pitch and ideally you should get new mandolin strings at the lightest gauge, 8-32 or 9-34 if you cannot find the former.

[mdowlin]

The plectrum tucked into the strings at the tailpiece looks interesting...

[KieranB]

It certainly has some character to it! And more than a couple of dinks in it now.





As said earlier I was once told the mandolin and the accompanying plectrum belonged to an irish folk singer that my grandad enjoyed. How much of that is true I don't know as my fathers since passed away taking the backstory with him sadly.

[NickR]

Those lines were probably filed into it to make it less liable to fly away if the player was picking hard! The pick is possibly real tortoiseshell.

[Ray(T)]

...... if we talk about that, the thread will be closed down so ‘nuf said.

[KieranB]

...... if we talk about that, the thread will be closed down so ‘nuf said.

I'm new here so just for the sake of clarification what aren't we supposed to talk about?

[Sue Rieter]

See third from bottom under guidelines

[KieranB]

Not discussing sale or transfer but will bare it in mind thankyou

[Ray(T)]

I appreciate that and I don’t think you’ve broken any rules but the mere mention might encourage others to stray into forbidden territory.

[NickR]

I have seen discussions here on old mandolins with a comment such as "nice hawksbill" being mentioned. It is a fact that very old instruments may have this product in their construction and they can be sold. What cannot be sold is illegally traded product that breaks international laws on conserving endangered species.

[MikeEdgerton]

From the Posting Guidelines:

Posts dealing in the sale or transfer of tortoise-shell products protected by the 1973 Endangered Species act are not allowed and will be removed. This includes picks made from "antique" shells. The purpose of this forum is the discussion of music, not the correctness or incorrectness of this issue. Discussions that start or end up on this topic are subject to being closed at the moderator's discretion.