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Antique Musical Instruments/mandolin banjo
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Question
QUESTION: COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT THIS INSTRUMENT IS, HOW OLD IT IS ,,IS IT WORTH MUCH
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ANSWER: Hi Mel:
Is is a mandolin-banjo -- banjo tuned and strung as a mandolin. it was made in the UK and is a British style. I don't know the maker. The guy who runs this site is more of an expert on these and other British banjos:
http://www.whitetreeaz.com/vintage/brit1.htm
best
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: lable inside says it is madee in sicily by stefano caponnetto serial/A379N CATANIA/ I WILL SEND COPY OFF LABLE WITH THIS AND SEE IF IT HELPS DATE IT MANY THANKS MEL
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Best place for info on this maker is here:
http://www.fetishguitars.com/index/sicilia.html
http://www.fetishguitars.com/html/italiane/sicilia/caponnetto2.html
http://www.fetishguitars.com/html/italiane/sicilia/caponnetto.html
http://www.fetishguitars.com/html/italiane/sicilia/caponnetto_f.html
Probably not worth that mjuch esp in its current state. if it were British might be more of a collectable.
Jim
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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
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