Early 20th Century French Spruce and Rosewood Eight-String Bowl-Back Mandolin

$1,100

About

This antique eight-string mandolin features a beautifully crafted wooden body, decorative inlay, and a distinctive rounded back. Believed to have been crafted in France circa 1920, the musical instrument reflects the traditional craftsmanship and decorative details associated with early 20th-century European stringed instruments.

The pear-shaped mandolin features a finely grained spruce soundboard with a warm honey-colored finish, accented with contrasting wood stringing around the perimeter. The oval sound hole is surrounded by concentric decorative rings, while a tortoiseshell-style pickguard adds character to the front. A dark wooden bridge and shaped metal tailpiece secure the eight strings, arranged in four pairs.

The slender neck is fitted with a dark hardwood fingerboard decorated with mother-of-pearl position markers and metal frets. The shaped headstock retains eight tuning pegs with cream-colored buttons and decorative metal mechanisms.

The deeply rounded bowl-shaped back is constructed from alternating ribs of richly figured dark wood, possibly rosewood, and lighter contrasting woods. Fine decorative stringing separates each section, creating an attractive striped pattern that highlights the craftsmanship.

Bowl-back mandolins became especially popular in France during the Belle Époque, with French instrument makers, particularly those in Mirecourt, producing examples inspired by Italian traditions.

Purchased in France, the antique mandolin is in good condition commensurate with age and use, retaining a warm wood patina. Playing condition has not been tested. A decorative addition to a music room, library, or collection of antique instruments.

Dimensions: 7.75″ W x 6″ D x 23.5″ H.

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