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Thread: Very old mandolin ID requested

  1. #1

    Question Very old mandolin ID requested

    Hi All! This is my friend's mandolin. He got it from his parents house after they passed. Any thoughts as to what this is in terms of brand, age, or any other insights or thoughts?

    Thanks!
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Looks like a Chicago-built instrument from turn of the 19-20 century. I am not an expert on US-made bowlbacks, so hopefully someone more competent will chime in.

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Wonderful to hear even a region of the US! Or in fact, that it's US made at all. Thanks you! I was assuming perhaps even Italy, but in some ways, Chicago makes sense here.

    I assume all here know that if you click the small images they will enlarge.

  5. #4

    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    It has some similarities with this Regal mandola- made in Indianapolis. Regal was later owned by Lyon & Healy of Chicago but it may well have been made by the original company. As mentioned if not from the original Regal it would be a Chicago build.

    https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...k-mandola.html

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  7. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Lyon & Healy made for the trade, lower end budget model made in Chicago. Similar to this one from a 1909 catalog (picture and description) though the OP's mandolin has alternating ribs of maple and other dark wood.

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    Jim

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  9. #6

    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Thanks all!

  10. #7
    Full Grown and Cussin' brunello97's Avatar
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    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    .... and other dark wood.

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    I've seen that at the Home Depot aisle: "Other Dark Wood". Mystery material.

    If Pablo H were still with us he would inform us that the species is tenebris silvam.

    I've heard that some early Schmergls (pre-Devastator models) used Dark Wood as both frets and neckblock inlay.


    I had an old '90s Washburn which had alternating maple and mahogany staves.

    I've also seen what appears to be walnut used in alternate stave bowls.


    This appears to be in pretty good shape.
    It may be a "lower end budget model"...L+H made likely thousands of these, but the level of quality materials and craft is remarkable.


    They were designed to be played in your front parlor or your front porch or with a gang of other mandolin geeks.
    You bought the sheet music for the latest 'hits' and played them yourself.

    An incredible era of American and world music.

    Still there for the taking.


    Mick
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  12. #8

    Default Re: Very old mandolin ID requested

    Quote Originally Posted by brunello97 View Post
    ...
    They were designed to be played in your front parlor or your front porch or with a gang of other mandolin geeks.
    You bought the sheet music for the latest 'hits' and played them yourself.

    An incredible era of American and world music.

    Still there for the taking.
    A delightfully intoxicating notion vs. everyone inside binging Netflix while staring at their smartphone. Thank you!

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