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Thread: looking for information on two old mandolins

  1. #1

    Default looking for information on two old mandolins

    Hello, I have two mandolins from my Grandfather's estate that I am having trouble identifying/finding any information on. The photos are below... the first was purchased in Montreal, Canada, possibly in 1927. There is a stamp on the body that says “Elitaria Registered” and the tailpiece/cordal says “Marcelli D.R.G.M. 1047705”. It came with a learning manual, also dated to 1927. It has the original case, but it isnt in great shape.

    The second mandolin 'seems' newer, but was in the same box as the one above, which has not been opened for several decades. There are no markings on it, other than "Roy" on the headstock (which might relate to Roy Smeck, but I can't find a similar logo).

    I would appreciate any information anyone has on these. I am in Canada (Alberta), and have had a few people look at them, but no one seems to know their origin or anything about them. I may be looking to sell them eventually, but am really just interested in information at this stage.

    Thanks!
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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    The one marked Roy has nothing to do with Roy Smeck. It was a mandolin imported from Japan, possibly Korea in the 70's and 80's. They came into this country under dozens of brand names. That name was probably specified by an importer or retailer. The other mandolin appears to have been made in Germany, hard to put a year on it, most likely 30's to 40's. Probably made for the trade with no brand name on it and the importer put their store decal on the headstock. They aren't worth a whole lot. The value is in the family history.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  4. #3

    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    Thank you very much for the information!

  5. #4
    Registered User DavidKOS's Avatar
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The other mandolin appears to have been made in Germany, hard to put a year on it, most likely 30's to 40's. Probably made for the trade with no brand name on it and the importer put their store decal on the headstock. They aren't worth a whole lot..
    Some of those German mandolins with that deep vaulted back can sound pretty good though!

  6. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidKOS View Post
    Some of those German mandolins with that deep vaulted back can sound pretty good though!
    Unfortunately that rarely ads to the monetary value of something like this.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  8. #6
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    The "ROY" headstock seems to have an older name underneath it, possibly a decal that was painted over in black before the ROY went on.
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
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  9. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    It looks like it might be a slide on decal but it doesn't change the value, it is what it is.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  10. #8
    Registered User DavidKOS's Avatar
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    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Unfortunately that rarely ads to the monetary value of something like this.
    Well, that also means one can get a good sounding non-Bluegrass mandolin at a very reasonable price

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  12. #9

    Default Re: looking for information on two old mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidKOS View Post
    Well, that also means one can get a good sounding non-Bluegrass mandolin at a very reasonable price
    Any idea what a 'reasonable' price would be?

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