Re: 1920ish Martin built? For S.S. Stewart
Thanks, rcc56's for the detailed response.
This is an tricky example as Martins mandolins tend to look pretty much like Martins irrespective of the label.
I have seen numerous mandolins that Martin has made for other 'labels' (and owned several) and agree...they always look like Martins. It seems pretty likely that they used the same bowl / body forms that they used for their own mandolins and then modified some details to set them apart. Sometimes none.
The body and top detailing does look Martin-like, though I don't recall seeing later era Martins with top mounted tuners.
I guess there's the odd chance that this is NOS that Martin was clearing out in the '20s and selling off to distributors like Stewart (something L+H did for years) but that would be stretching things without more clear evidence from the mandolin detailing itself.
I owned a Martin made / Stewart labeled "B" style flatback, and have some others SS labeled Martins in my files, so it does seem that "....related instruments" included at least some mandolins.
The Martin headstock to neck joint is also a location where their particular (and identifiable) detailing often showed up. Could you post some back and side photos of the mandolin, GratefulDad?
Mick
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