Re: Looking for help with bowlback mandolin identification
Well, the upper mandolin in your first photo is certainly an Oscar Schmidt. As you've IDed O and S superimposed on the scratchplate.
I'm not so convinced that the other mandolin is from OS. What makes you think so besides the farfalla?
The butterfly motif was fairly commonly in use both in Italy and the US on mandolins scratchplates.
Favilla, also there in NJ used available scratchplates featuring a more refined butterfly inlay.
The shape of the two bowls of these mandolin is quite different, which might suggest a different origin as well.
OS made a lot of instruments, so could readily have made this as well...I'm just hoping to see some more uniquely identifiable characteristics.
While the other mandolin has very familiar basic traits, such as the headstock, binding and fretboard inlay, I'll say I've never seen that scratchplate, nor a tuner cover that is so closely sized to the dimensions and shape of the headstock.
I'll be interested in what others think about the progeny of this one.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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