Mandolin Appraisal

A-Style Mandolin

This musical instrument is an 'A-style' mandolin, characterized by its teardrop-shaped body and arched top featuring two f-shaped sound holes. The instrument showcases a classic sunburst finish, transitioning from a dark mahogany or chocolate brown at the edges to a golden amber in the center of the body. Based on the construction, the top appears to be carved or pressed laminate with a white plastic or celluloid binding around the edges. The fretboard is likely rosewood, adorned with simple white dot position markers. The hardware includes a floating adjustable bridge, likely ebony or stained rosewood, and a chrome-plated tailpiece at the base. In terms of condition, the instrument shows visible signs of heavy use and age-related wear including surface scratches, some finish chipping near the lower edge of the body, and accumulation of dust and fingerprints. The strings appear aged and are significantly missing or broken, indicating it has not been tuned or played recently. While no specific maker's mark is visible from this angle, the build quality and simple appointments suggest a student-level or mid-range mass-produced model from the late 20th century.