Mugwumps Index of American Fretted Musical Instrument Makers lists "J G Schroeder" as "New York, 1892-1907+" which I guess means Schroeder was building after 1907. Fairly ornate, elaborately shaped and bound headstock, engraved and enclosed tuners, all suggest a relatively high-end mandolin. Not a major builder, but this seems a nice instrument. Probably had a tailpiece cover which has been lost.
Google searching turns up Schroeder guitars and banjos in auctions and dealers. Here's a quote from a Heritage Auctions (Dallas TX) listing of a Schroeder classical guitar:
J.G. Schroeder was a manufacturer, importer, and dealer of musical instruments at the turn of the century.
"The century," of course, means the 20th century. Have you noticed how we don't seem to use "turn of the century" to refer to 2000-01? Wait a few years...
Apparently Schroeder imported and sold European instruments as well as US-made, so perhaps some of the bowl-back mavens can tell whether this one's features suggest European manufacture.
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I only have one Schroeder in my files, with an unfortunately unclear view of the label--and not particularly good views of the mandolin either. It does feature some detailing of the headstock reminiscent of the OP's but not as nice. These are interesting mandolins for me as none of the details make me think of any of the 'usual suspects'.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
______________________
'05 Cuisinart Toaster
'93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
'12 Stetson Open Road
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Here is another- not so elaborately detailed but similar- it has migrated to the UK.
https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/anti...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
Here are a few images of this Schroeder for posteriority. Including an ad with an address for dita Schroeder.
Also a 1898 date on the label.
Nothing to make one think JG was a maker rather than a dealer....but perhaps had these jobbed out to spec.
The detailing and inlay quality is above the mass market bowl ordinaire.
As with the other JGSs: nice looking mandolin.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
______________________
'05 Cuisinart Toaster
'93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
'12 Stetson Open Road
'06 Bialetti expresso maker
'14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig
Yes, a good looking mandolin and still a bit of a mystery- but maybe a few more pieces of the puzzle will be found!
This is my Schroeder mandolin. It’s not perfect but plays as is. Label is worn but can make out 1898. Which tells me all of these mandolins were imported around this time. Mine has fluted ribs. Trying to get more pictures uploaded from my phone. All I’ve seen are very nice mandolins from this importer.. I think mine is either German or Made in Italy. Very ornate.
Lovely, Teletom!
Can you post more photos of this?
Would enjoy seeing the fluted bowl and more images of the detailing work.
And particularly the label.
It may well be imported but by 1898 a lot of mandolins were being made in the US, in NY, Boston, NJ, Philadelphia, Chicago, Michigan, Indianapolis, etc.
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
______________________
'05 Cuisinart Toaster
'93 Chuck Taylor lowtops
'12 Stetson Open Road
'06 Bialetti expresso maker
'14 Irish Linen Ramon Puig
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