Antique Musical Instruments/old guitar

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Expert: Jim Garber - 9/8/2009


Question
I have an old acoustic guitar, that has been in the family for ever. I'm sure it was made in the 1800's. It was my paternal grandfather's older brothers guitar. I had asked my father and my two aunts about it, but all they could tell me was that was uncle Jim's. They are all deceased. My father was born in 1919 and his sisters were older.  The guitar has a label attached inside, that reads Griffith, Philadelphia.  There is an initial before the name Griffith, but I can't make it out. Any information you could give me would be appreciated.

Thank You

Answer

Griffith Mandolin labe
Hi Bob:
According to mugwumps.com:
"F.H. Griffith was a Philadelphia, PA mandolin manufacturer from circa 1892-5. His instruments were well made and some had very elaborately inlaid fingerboards and pegheads. From 1895 he published a magazine which primarily extolled his own products. He may have contracted for the instruments with his label."

I have some photos of a mandolin with a Griffith label (see attached). It may have been made for Griffith by Lyon & Healy.

I also found a listing of sheet music with F.H. Griffith as the publisher.

Best
Jim

Antique Musical Instruments

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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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