1906 Martin Style 3 bowlback mandolin

Nice old Martin mandolins barely ever show up -- and this one is a fancy one, too, with pearl inlay in the fretboard and around the soundhole, lots of ribs, and nice inlay in the board, too. Aside from a reglued headstock graft joint and an old repair to one of the back's ribs, it's quite clean and in great order.

[TurtleStax]

Awesome! This is almost identical to the old mandolin I inherited from my grandfather. I've been trying to learn about it's history. Mine has the serial number 1199. According to one website it was build in 1906 as well. The pearl inlay design is almost exactly the same as yours. Can you tell me the serial number on yours? I think our instruments are cousins.

Wonderful playing. I am a guitar player and just dabble on the mandolin. It's great to hear what the instrument can really do.

[TurtleStax]

Amazing! Your mandolin is almost identical to the one I inherited from my grandfather. The abolone inlay looks just like yours. Mine has the serial number 1199 and according to one website it was built in 1906 as well. What is the serial number on your instrument? I think our mandolins are long lost cousins.