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Thread: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    Hi, any help to identify the maker would be much appreciated. Antique bowlback mandolin with 40 ribs on back. Large MOP butterfly on front. Star on headstock. Vining inlay on fretboard. Bottom metal part marked Pat Pend.
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    It would be useful to see the back of the headstock and the bowl as well! The star was a popular motif and was also favoured by various retailers for their instruments.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

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  4. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    Tailpiece is generic and appears on many mandolins from the period so that patent pending is for that tailpiece. Butterfly inlay is also one of the more popular ornamentations for bowlback and often were purchased by makers from pearl shops. Here is my collection of butterfly mandolin images. I don't see any one that matches yours though.

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  6. #5

    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    The shape of the headstock- and the binding of it is reminiscent of some mandolins Regal made circa 1900 but I don't know if it is a Regal build.

  7. #6
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    Enclosed tuners, lots of rosewood ribs in the bowl, extensive ornamentation. If it's from one of the "usual Chicago suspects," it was a higher-end model.
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  9. #7
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help Idenify Bowlback Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    If it's from one of the "usual Chicago suspects," it was a higher-end model.
    Not so sure... Workmanship is not exceptional. Except for multiple ribs (which are sometimes just disguised to be so) they bought the fancy pearl tree-of-life inlay. Take that way and it becomes mid-grade. Simple headstock.

    Take a look at upper level Washburns, for instance, for comparison.
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