Is this a Regal Octofone?

[zbaze]

I just received a recent eBay purchase: a 1928 Regal Octofone... or so I thought. Upon receipt, I noticed a few things that were inconsistent with the other Octofones I have seen. I have a short window to return the instrument, so I thought I would ask here to see what you all make of the following things that made me suspicious:

1. Decal on the headstock is green oval "Regal," not the white "Octofone" I've seen on most. Did any years of Octofone have the green label?

2. The back of the headstock is black and lack the embossed "patent applied for." Did all models have this embossing or just the early ones?

3. The tailpiece is pretty ornate-- most of the ones I've seen are simple.

4. No label or SN on the inside of the instrument.

I'll try and post pics later today, but thought I'd get the question out there. The link to the auction is still up and pics can be viewed here.

Can't believe how many "octofoners" are on this forum-- I look forward to your help! Thanks.

[Jim Garber]

I am not an expert "octofoner" but that Regal label looks genuine. That tailpiece cover might have been replaced but it is prob a much fancier one that someone took off a higher end mandolin. If you really don't want it, I am sure that you can sell it and make some cash and replace it with a plain cloud tp cover.

Regal was not the most consistent of makers and I am sure that there are some variants to the Octofones and you may have just that. I am sure other more expert in this area will chime in.

[zbaze]

thanks for the background!

[Jim Garber]

No need to post in two places. Most of us check all areas or look at the newly updated postings.