Originally Posted by
brunello97
I have some Silvestri mandolins in my files with some rather ornate tailpieces, such as the one attached.
Cawhite...from my limited vantage point of about a dozen Silvestri mandolins, it appeared they, like other Catanese makers, were enthusiastic copiers of popular styles from Rome and Naples but usually with a delightful Sicilian flair.
From what I've seen they didn't have 'models' such as we are used to with contemporary US mandolins, or some of the bigger name Italian makers from the period.
Yours has a hybrid collection of design details: the V-shaped neck profile and slotted headstock from Roman mandolins and the carved "head" which one sees on some Neapolitan Vinaccia mandolins, as well as others.
The double banded top inlay is a typical Sicilan feature as is the exuberant scratchplate.
Silvestri used various labels on the mandolins, some touting their connection to Roma.
These appear to have an earlier / older looking graphic layout and type font styles.
I would suggest the more colorful labels are later models given the style and type fonts used.
Can you post a photo of the label in yours?
It looks like a good quality mandolin, though the photos you posted make an assessment of its condition a little difficult.
The small bits of restoration of missing pieces of mother of pearl, etc. shouldn't be a big deal.
The value ...outside the sentimental value, such as this must have for you in abundance...will be totally based on its playability.
And that is almost entirely based on the condition of the neck.
Can you post some carefull taken photos showing a SIDE view of the mandolin where we can see the position of the strings relative to the neck?
Also a shot looking down along the neck from the headstock / tuners to the bridge / lower end of the mandolin.
And then a shot looking in the opposited direction, looking UP the neck.
These will be very helpful to ascertain the playability.
And, obviously, some better shots of the carved head, a great feature of the mandolin.
Maybe $100 if unplayable, maybe $1000 if playable? Perhaps more in a 'restored' state with all bling replace.
For a good while, the market for Italian mandolins was quite active in Japan, and may well still be.
Any estimate of value is totally subjective, if not a wild guess, as there isn't a large market for bowlback mandolins, and an even smaller one for those that are unplayable...there are hundreds if not thousands of unplayable Italian bowlback mandolins out there.
Silvestri wasn't one of the big names in Italian mandolins and many folks interested in bowlback mandolins tend to sniff at Sicilian instruments (which, to the contrary, I very much enjoy.)
This is a nice mandolin, for sure, so keep the photos coming.
Mick
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