Here is a rare find, and a very cool vintage Mandolin with high-end features and original finish! I consider this to be among the best values in my entire arsenal of instruments-- it is just amazing to me how an instrument of this pedigree, history and craftsmanship is not valued higher. An instrument like this should sell for $2000.
It took me some research to confirm what this instrument was, since there are no markings. Several experts helped me confirm tghat this is a Stromberg-Voisinet, probably crafted in the mid-to-late 20's. This is the company that was bought out in 1928 by Kay Musical Instruments, and the features on this one, especially the headstock, indicate "pre-Kay". The Kay has a gaudy headstock, where this one is simply tasteful and restrained. But it is similar in shape to Stromberg guitars, and also has a 2-point design, with the points close to each other-- this being more of an earlier feature (the later Kay's and Rex's were broader and further from button neck).
The craftsmanship is high-end. The project is amazing. As is typical, it has no markings and no label. It appears mostly original, except the bridge. The woods are solid woods with original nitro lacquer: solid Brazilian Rosewood back/sides; a bent (canted) solidspruce top (canted tops were common during this period). Again, the Venetian 2-point body shape; an oval bound soundhole; binding front and back; gorgeous matching real wood "marquetry" inlay around the entire top and sound-hole; rosewood fretboard with pearl dot inlays. It has a Gibson-shaped peghead with engraved nickel tuner cover, and what are likely the original tuners.. A black pickguard held on with 2 wooden pearl-pins (very cool, IMO). A typical "clamshell" (waverly-cloud) tailpiece; ebony bridge (may be replaced); a center strip on back that matches front marquetry; and, again, the original tuners with celluloid keys.
I had this checked by a luthier when I acquired it. There are 3 cracks on back, and he did what he thought required to shore them up/repair them-- there are no cleats, I think he just worked in some glue. Nothing has expanded in the years since, or while I've owned it (20-some-odd-years). As you can see, the back is "bookmatched" Brazilian, and there are some serious "knots" in the wood-- the knots are where some of the "cracks" are, so they are really not all cracks, but the long one protrudes out (it has no play and does not move when pressing it).
I did my best, as a guitaris,t to set-up and tune-up the instrument, but I think it could be tweaked even better. I found a "sweet spot" with saddle placement by straddling the "cant" across the top-- at this angle, it seems quite in tune at 12th fret, fretted versus open string. It is very loud and full sounding-- really amazing projection for such a small instrument. With new strings, it could be even better. The action is about right... just at or a bit over 1/16" on treble side. The neck, which has a nut width of 1.15" (caliper), has an ebonized maple fingerboard, and seems straight and flat across and the frets are in ex shape, and do not show any wear. Using a black light to confirm the finish and repairs-- I do not think it has had a neck reset and finish looks all original.
One comment: my picture of the back of headstock and the nickel cover-- that is just me being clever and capturing a reflection of a vase with flowers! I couldn't help myself, and hope you like it... it's been getting posted!
What appears to be the original canvas case with leather handle and features is also too cool!
Frankly, I am shocked and even dismayed that a period instrument like this, made with such high quality and cool features, is not more sought-after and only commands such a modest price. If you are an astute collector and player, you will jump on this rarity.
