83 Early 20th Century Bowl-Back Mandolin with Painted Pickguard Decoration

Category Antiquities
Auction Currency CAD
Start Price 20.00 CAD
Estimated at 40.00 - 60.00 CAD
Unmarked bowl-back teardrop mandolin, probably European factory production, circa 1920–1940, with ribbed bowl back, spruce top and oval soundhole, fitted with a floating bridge above a painted tortoiseshell-effect pickguard decorated with scrollwork and small dot inlays, plain headstock with eight tuners for four string courses. Approx. 24 in. overall length. In fair, decorative condition with heavy surface wear, scratches and dirt to top and pickguard, wear and possible repair at the tailpiece area, oxidized hardware and worn fingerboard; strings old and instrument not guaranteed playable, sold as found for restoration or display.