You are here:
Antique Musical Instruments/antique mandolin
Advertisement
Question
We have a mandolin from the Elias Howe Company of Boston. It has a patent date of Aug. 24, 1897 in it and also, Howe-Orme with a #0879 inside. It is in excellent condition and is fully tuned and playable. It is made of Brazilian rosewood , with an ebony bridge, 10 fret mahogany neck, 19-fret ebony fingerboard with engraved pearl dot, diamond, and oval inlays. It also has a Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay with ehgraved pearl star and diamond inlays. Any idea of the value? Would it e alright for this instrument to be played?
Hi Nancy:
I will no longer evaluate instruments. I have found it difficult to do so over the Internet since I cannot truly tell the condition, even with good photos.
In any case, is this a guitar shaped mandolin? Thye are, these days called mandolinettos and the Howe-Ormes or the best of those kind having arched tops and backs. I would string it with light gauge mandolin strings, even extra lights.
Lots of info here:
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&...
Best
Jim
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Jim Garber
Expertise
PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.
I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.
ALSO PLEASE NOTE: it is near-impossible to accurately appraise a violin or bow remotely. If you truly want to find out what you have, you will likely need to take it to a reputable local dealer. Many of these folks will at least give you a verbal assessment of what you have after an inspection in hand and, if it is indeed worth something, can write you up a formal appraisal, usually for a fee.
If you have any questions about zithers please check the following sites:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ or
http://www.fretlesszithers.net/
Between the two of them, they have it all covered for any zither-like instrument.
Experience
I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.
Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe
Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,
Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.