UNKOWN VINTAGE MANDOLIN or MANDOLUTE??

[guitarzan]

Could anyone tell me anything about this? I thought HAND MADE until I saw its twin. Exactly the same but with glued on pick-guard. The frets and dots are brass. Thanks anybody.

[Tavy]

No idea who made it, but the back has a somewhat German shape to it (although the German ones tend to be made with multipart backs). Other than that no idea, sorry!

[Jim Garber]

Hand made? Prob far from it. it looks like one of those catalog ones that stores bought by the dozen.

[MikeEdgerton]

Factory built, probably in Chicago. I've see quite a few of them but never been able to tie down which one of the builders. Are there any numbers stamped inside?

[guitarzan]

There is absolutely nothing on this thing, that I thought was a potential gem, but am having doubts now that it is even worth the $250 I paid for it. It's definitely playable. No seams cracked or holes on it. The strings were the same ones on it when this elderly lady's uncle gave it to her some 50 years ago. I'm going to get strings put on it and see how it plays. Who knows, it might sound great. By the looks of it, it was played at one time quite a bit. Brass frets and dots on it. I'm getting bummed now because it might be a piece of crap. If I can get my $250 back for it, I'll sell it and buy a good one. Thanks to all.

[MikeEdgerton]

You kind of overpaid for it.