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Thread: Dating early Stradolin?

  1. #1
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Dating early Stradolin?

    As is obvious, this is a fool's errand. But am wondering, has anyone got a firm idea when the Stradolins with the comma shaped F holes were made? From searching the Cafe have seen mid 1930's and 1935/36 quoted. Have already had a couple friends ask about mine and that's the best I could offer.

    While earlier ads might help as mentioned in the thread on the Sorkin catalog, they used old copy at least until the 1950's.

    My latest for reference - Click image for larger version. 

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    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    I can't answer the question about the f-holes, but many Strad-o-lins have a date stamped on the back that is visible through one of the f-holes.
    You may have to hunt for it, sometimes it's a bit hard to find. Use a really strong pen light and look through both holes at several angles.
    That's a nice looking one. My impression is that is indeed from the '30's or early '40's, but that's only a guess.

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    These are three separate catalog cuts from 1935 B&J. I put them together for comparison purposes.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Jim

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    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    These are three separate catalog cuts from 1935 B&J. I put them together for comparison purposes.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    So does that round hole one have a different logo on the headstock? Looks like a diamond shape.

  7. #5

    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    I agree with rcc56, I think '30s. I have a '40 similar to yours but has round holes where yours has the "commas". That's a really nice one, bet it sounds as good as it looks

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  9. #6
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    These are three separate catalog cuts from 1935 B&J. I put them together for comparison purposes.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Thanks Jim! That's exactly the information I hoped you would have. Gives me more confidence in dating. The 1941 I previously had was date stamped, which made things a lot easier.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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    Registered User MattyWhalen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    I have one virtually identical to yours and it has a date stamp inside of March 1935. I also have an oval hole version in the add above that's stamped for the same year. Some of the oval hole models seemed to be sold under the "Nobility" badge, with a diamond logo emblem on the head stock. I just need an artist deluxe model to complete the set!!!!

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    Registered User mandopaul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    I have a date marked 1938 in this one - different F holes
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/g...405&do=discuss

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  14. #9
    Registered User MattyWhalen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    I love the finish on that one!

  15. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dating early Stradolin?

    That is a really nice finish. It didn't leave the factory with that finish.
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